Sabbath
uarterly
Adult Division, No. 303, First Quarter, 1971
First
uarter
971
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
The Godhead: The Ideal Relationship
2.
The Christian's Moral Code Today
3.
The Christian and Family Relations
4.
Care Enough to Act—Act Like You Care
5.
Church Relations
6.
Relationship of Church Members to Civil
Authorities
7.
About Friends and Recreation
8.
Who Is My Neighbor?
9.
What a Task!
10.
The Christian's Relationship to His Neigh-
bors of Other Races
11.
Equality of Believers
12.
The Christian and Divisive Issues
13.
Doing Good to All Men
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly (regular edition), No. 303, January-March, 1971. 40 cents a single
copy, $1.60 a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published
in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street,
Mountain View, California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, Cali-
fornia. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old
and new addresses.
Copyright, 1970, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover by Harry Anderson ; © PPPA
Drawings by James Converse
The Blessing of Daily Study
"Every day some portion of time should be appropri-
ated to the study of the lessons, not merely in learning to
mechanically repeat the words, while the mind does not
comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-
tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the
lesson."—Counsels
on Sabbath School Work,
page 53.
My Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge
of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and
prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School
lesson each day of the week.
(signed)
3
Christian Social Behavior
FIRST QUARTER, 1971
Christians cannot behave in a socially acceptable way without a knowledge
of certain principles, a moral code. Christians have a moral code in the Ten
Commandments (based on love to God and love to our fellowmen), amplified
in the admonitions given by God in the Bible, and made plainer in the gift
of prophecy writings of our day.
"Ethics" are the standards, principles, or laws of conduct that govern the
actions of men, or are man's interpretation of a moral code. A man's interpre-
tation is affected by such things as his environment, experience, and cultural
background. This is why we are not given permission to judge our brethren.
This is not our work. Our work is to tell others what Jesus has done for us
and to point out a better way of life.
Christianity is governed by moral principles. Early in Biblical history (Lev.
19:18) this ideal was revealed: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
Much of the chapter applies it to specific situations. Jesus stated it briefly:
"Treat other people exactly as you would like to be treated by them—this is
the essence of all true religion." Matt. 7:12, Phillips. Paul revealed some of
the ideals of Christianity in his letter to the Galatians. Gal. 5:22, 23. Peter
gave us another list. 2 Peter 1: 3-8. "The fruit of the Spirit," Paul called them.
"Against such there is no law." Notice that in both lists many of the items
apply to our relations with our fellowmen.
Commenting on Gal. 5:22, 23, Ellen White said: "The influence of the
Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul. We do not see Christ and speak
to Him, but His Holy Spirit is just as near us in one place as in another. It
works in and through everyone who receives Christ. Those who know the
indwelling of the Spirit reveal the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, long-
suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1112.
This quarter it will be our privilege to concentrate on God's desire for
proper Christian social behavior. May it be our experience to witness the ful-
fillment of this promise in our lives. "As you receive the Spirit of Christ—the
Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others—you will grow and bring forth
fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character."—Christ's
Object
Lessons,
page 68.
4
LESSON 1
January
2
THE GODHEAD: THE IDEAL RELATIONSHIP 1
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their
trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."
2 Cor. 5:19.
From times eternal a mutual, loving re-
lationship has existed between the Father
and the Son. John 17. How fortunate that
we mortals, in the very midst of extreme
weakness, have been exposed to this fel-
lowship and have been invited to join it.
2 Cor. 5:17-21.
Because of our predicament, the love,
concern, and hope of the Godhead has
been revealed to the fullest degree. The
powers of transforming love have been
manifested fully. Eternal life has been of-
fered us freely. John 6:47. Freedom from
sin has been assured. 1 John 1:7. The
graces of a Christlike life have been ex-
tended to us with the assurance that we
may demonstrate these heavenly qualities
in our lives through the grace of God. And
all this in order that we might become
"one" with God and might fellowship with
the heavenly family.
This lesson is intended to make plain to
us the attitude of the Godhead in the most
beautiful relationship in existence. It con-
tinues by exploring examples of how this
relationship has been shared and demon-
strated by man, the supreme creature of
God's creation.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Eternal Fellowship of the
Godhead
John 17:5, 22
2.
God's Concern for All Creation
Ps. 145:17-20
3.
God's Concern for Man
Matt. 7:7-11
4.
God Relates to a Person in
Need—Hagar
Gen. 21:17-20
5.
God Relates to a Person in
Need—An Adulteress
John 8:10,11
6.
Imitation of Ideal Relationship
Phil. 1:3-7
5
The Godhead: The Ideal Relationship
LESSON I
❑
Sunday
December 27
Part 1
THE ETERNAL
FELLOWSHIP OF
THE GODHEAD
John 17:5, 22
THINK IT THROUGH
"And now, 0 Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own'
self with the glory which I had with Thee before the
world was."
"And the glory which Thou gayest Me I have given
them; that they may be one, even as We are one."
How can we mortals comprehend such a relationship except
as we recall the ideals of 1 Corinthians 13? A momentary sep-
aration in an eternal fellowship is described in John 17. Two
Beings commune together. Eternal Partners reviewing Their
work in the execution of a plan to help the "neighbor" in
need.
The greatest neighbor anywhere is the one who cares enough
to get involved with us and our needs. If there is anything
greater than loving, it is the willingness and the ability to love.
Only the members of the Godhead individually have the love,
willingness, and capacity to meet all needs.
Among themselves Their merciful love is revealed in Their
willingness to share all that They possess. They share Their
joys, and perhaps most significantly, They share in Their
creative work.
To us Their relationship is revealed in Their willingness to
do anything, without thought of the cost to Themselves, in
order to win mankind to the side of right. Phil. 2:5-8; Rom.
5:6-11; John 3:16, 17; 1 John 4:9-11.
In what relationship was Christ with His Father before
He came to our world? John 17:22.
Let your mind contemplate the harmony, the unity, the
equality of the three Members of the Godhead, com-
pletely dominated by love, without the slightest expres•
sion of jealousy. Can you conceive yourself becoming like
this in your relationship with your fellowmen?
"The seventeenth chapter of John Thy Son also may glorify Thee.' . . .
speaks plainly regarding the personal-
Here
is personality, and individuality."
ity of God and of Christ, and of their re- —Ellen G. White Comments, "SDA Bible
lation to each other. 'Father, the hour is
Commentary," Vol. 5, p. 1145.
come,' Christ said; 'glorify Thy Son, that
THE SECOND MILE: "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-26.
6
the Godhead: The Ideal Relationship
LESSON 1
❑
Monday
December
28
THINK IT THROUGH
"The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all
His works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon
Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the
desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry,
and will save them. The Lord preserveth all them that
love Him: but all the wicked will He destroy."
"So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance
of love, there was perfect harmony throughout the universe
of God. . . And while love to God was supreme, love for
one another was confiding and unselfish.. .
"Now the perfect harmony of heaven was broken. Lucifer's
disposition to serve himself instead of his Creator aroused a
feeling of apprehension when observed by those who considered
that the glory of God should be supreme."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
pages 35, 36.
"He [Lucifer] saw that 'the Lord is righteous in all His ways,
and holy in all His works.'
"—Ibid.,
p. 39.
In spite of an immediate problem that would bring a blot
on the fair universe and would cause long centuries of pain
and woe to this planet, the Godhead acted with justice and
mercy in seeking to redeem Lucifer from his waywardness. As
a parent tries patiently to win back an erring child, so God
worked long and patiently to help Lucifer regain his place.
See
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 39.
Even when Lucifer chose not to respond to the appeals of
God, he was not destroyed in a sudden fit of rage; rather, his
life was preserved in order that time could be allowed for all
of God's creatures to witness the difference between good and
evil. See
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 42, 43.
What attitude does God take toward those who re-
spond to His proposals? Verses 18, 19.
Do you think that God dealt fairly with the human
family when He allowed Lucifer to live? Are we not the
subjects of an "experiment"? See "The Desire of Ages,"
pages 19-26.
Part 2
GOD'S CONCERN
FOR ALL CREATION
Ps. 145:17-20
"In
great mercy, according to His
divine character, God bore long with
Lucifer. The spirit of discontent and dis-
affection had never before been known
in heaven. It was a new element,
strange, mysterious, unaccountable. ...
But such efforts as infinite love and
wisdom only could devise, were made
to convince him of his error."—"Patri-
archs and Prophets," page 39.
THE SECOND MILE: "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 35-43.
7
The Godhead: The
Ideal Relationship
LESSON 1
❑
Tuesda)
December 2,c..
Part 3
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
GOD'S CONCERN find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every.
FOR MAN one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth,
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man
is there of you, whom if hit son ask bread, will he give
him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a ser-
pent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts
unto your children, how much more shall your Father
which is in heaven give good things to them that ask
Matt. 7:7-11
Him?"
The Godhead, in dealing with mankind, sought the most
direct method in reaching the minds of men. The Godhead is
not sparing with the gifts of heaven; the Godhead does not
deal with men the way men deal with each other (Matt.
7:1-6), but is gracious and merciful. See
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
on Matt.
7:7.
No fathers in Christ's audience would
be so cruel or heartless as to offer their children worthless gifts
in response to the children's request for food. How impossible,
then, is it to believe that the Godhead will disappoint man in
any way.
We need not have any hesitation in coming to the Godhead
—the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect gift." James
1:17. Promises have been extended to us by the Godhead as
"security" in order that we mortals might realize heaven's gifts.
See
Education,
page 253. Let it always be remembered that the
Godhead is seeking to save, not to condemn mankind. John
3:16, 17; 2 Cor. 5:17-21. The Godhead has offered every pos-
sible gift to save—including life itself. Rom. 5:6-11.
What are the conditions for answered prayer? Matt.
7:7, 8.
THINK IT THROUGH
What evidence has God given in order that I might
make an intelligent decision concerning the kind of Per-
son that He is?
"Jesus did not suppress one word of
truth, but He uttered it always in love.
He exercised the greatest tact and
thoughtful, kind attention in His inter-
course with the people. He was never
rude, never needlessly spoke a severe
word, never gave needless pain to a
THE SECOND MILE: "Education," pages
8
sensitive soul. He did not censure hu-
man weakness. He spoke the truth, but
always in love. He denounced hypoc-
risy, unbelief, and iniquity
;
but tears
were in His voice as He uttered His
scathing rebukes."—"Steps to Christ,"
page 12.
253-261.
The Godhead: The
Ideal Relationship
LESSON 1
❑
Wednesday
December 30
Part 4
"And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of
GOD RELATES TO God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her,
A PERSON IN What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard
NEED—HAGAR the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and
hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great na-
tion. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of
water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water,
and gave the lad drink. And God was with the lad; and
he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an
Gen. 21:17-20 archer."
Although the Old Testament is largely historical, it has a
wealth of material on relationships. In the book of Genesis
alone there are many instances. See, for example, Gen. 3:7-10;
4:9-15; 5:21-24; 6:9; 12:1-4; 22:1-14; 32:24-29. Among these
stories is that of Hagar, the bondwoman whom Abraham mar-
ried and was forced to reject.
Because Abraham and Sarah distrusted the promise of God,
another woman was allowed to become Abraham's wife. She
bore a son. But when God fulfilled the promise made to Abra-
ham years before, the envy and strife became insupportable.
See
SDA Bible Dictionary,
"Ishmael." Hagar and Ishmael found
themselves in the dry desert, rejected and with little hope for
continued life. But the God of the universe was not so busy
that He neglected to hear the faint cry of a dying boy and
a deserted and lonely mpther. See
SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Gen. 21:17.
It should also be remembered that God was not partial to
Isaac. He carefully revealed purposes and plans for both boys.
Gen. 21:12, 13, 18; Rom. 9:7. Although Isaac was to be heir
to God's royal line by birth, God did not hesitate to reveal a
promise concerning Ishmael. "I will make him a great nation."
See
SDA Bible Dictionary,
"Ishmaelites." This is the way the
Godhead relates to human need both in times of joy and in
times of sorrow.
For what reasons were Hagar and her son found in
the desert? Gen. 21:9-11.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is God's attitude toward individuals innocently
caught in circumstances in which His commands have
been violated?
"And the angel gave him [Abraham] should be preserved, and he should be-
the consoling promise that though sep- come the father of a great nation."
arated from his lather's home, Ishmael
—"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 146.
should not be forsaken by God; his life
THE SECOND MILE:
"Patricrchs and Prophets," pages 145-147.
9
2-A1QT71
The Godhead: The Ideal Relationship
LESSON 1
❑
Thursday
December 31
Part 5
GOD RELATES TO
A PERSON IN NEED
—AN ADULTERESS
John 8:10, 11
THINK IT THROUGH
"When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but
the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those
thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said,
No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto
her,
Neither do I
condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
This is a splendid illustration of the ideal relationship that
can exist between man and his fellows. We ourselves need to
turn away from sin. Acts 2:38, 39; Luke 13:3, 5;
The Acts of
the Apostles,
page 560;
Counsels to Teachers,
page 361. It is
not our task to sit in judgment. Rom. 2:1; Matt. 7:1, 2; John
8:7; John 5:22. It is our work to represent Christ to fallen
men in such a way as to bring hope rather than condemnation,
joy rather than sorrow. John 3:17.
In the story of the woman taken in adultery, "Jesus is not
stating a general principle, one that would make absolute sin-
lessness the necessary condition of fitness for taking part in the
punishment of guilt. This would nullify law, for no one fitted
to carry out the execution could be found. He speaks here of a
case where men set themselves up as judges of others, whom
they ought not to condemn unless they themselves be guilt-
less. Jesus abhorred adultery . . . , but He also abhorred self-
righteous judging."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on John 8:7.
What words of assurance did Jesus speak to the
woman taken in adultery? John 8:11.
One other point should be observed in this story. Jesus
might have seemed a bit harsh toward those who pointed the
finger of accusation, but He was most anxious to reach them
too. In His kindness for them, He wrote in the sand the sins
He read on their hearts when He could have shouted them to
all in hearing range. This is the God who is concerned for us
today, the One who is sensitive to human feelings and needs.
See
Steps to Christ,
page 12.
What do you think of this idea? "Those who are for-
ward in accusing others, and zealous in bringing them
to justice, are often in their own lives more guilty than
they."—"The Desire of Ages," page 462.
"In His act of pardoning this woman
While He does not palliate sin, nor
and encouraging her •to live a better
lessen the sense of guilt, He seeks not
life, the character of Jesus shines forth
to condemn, but to save."—"The Desire
in the beauty of perfect righteousness.
of Ages," page 462.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Desire of Ages,' ' pages 460-462.
10
❑
Friday
January I
Part 6
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
IMITATION always in every prayer of mine for you all making re-
OF IDEAL quest with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the
RELATIONSHIP first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that
He which hath begun a good work in you will perform
it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me
to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart;
inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and
confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my
Phil. 1:3-7
grace."
Paul's strong desire was to communicate the truth about
God to any man that would listen. He received added joy
whenever he heard or witnessed growth and progress in the
lives of his converts (Eph. 1:15, 16), but felt greatly pained
and disturbed whenever a group was bogged down with prob-
lems. Gal. 1:6; 3:1.
So it is with the Godhead. God keeps close supervision over
the operation of the church and the growth of each "pillar."
See
Testimonies to Ministers,
page 15. God is not too busy to
hold secure each individual committed. Zech. 2:8; Isa. 49:15,
16 ; Matt. 10:30. "The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes
His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He
intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own.
A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is im-
pregnable to the assaults of Satan."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
324.
The disciples were secure in their individual relationships
with God, and just as the Godhead gave completely, so the
disciples gave completely for mankind. Paul's desire for Felix,
Agrippa, and Festus (Acts 24:25; 26:29) to know the joy of
a heavenly relationship rather than his thinking of himself is
one illustration. John and Peter's experience (Acts 3:1-8) in
healing a lame man is another. These are only two of many
examples of committed men and their desire to share.
For what reasons was Paul happy? Phil. 1:6, 7.
THINK IT THROUGH
How is it possible for fallen man to be like God and
share His concern for a fallen world?
"They [the people of Philippil prized
themselves with wholehearted devo-
the precious truths for which the apos- tion to the cause of their Redeemer."
ties had sacrificed so much, and gave —"The Acts of the Apostles," page 218.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 383-388.
11
The Godhead: The Ideal Relationship
LESSON 1
The Godhead: The Ideal Relationship
LESSON 1
January 2
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0 A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Complete: "The
chapter of
speaks plainly
regarding the personality of God and Christ, and of their
,,
2.
God was:
(a)
impatient with Lucifer for his rebelliousness;
(b)
permissive
and winked at Lucifer's movement;
(c)
patient but firm with Lucifer, giving
him time to regain his senses before judgment was made in his case.
3.
Underline the correct answer: The attitude of the Godhead toward man
is that of (rejection; acceptance; condemnation).
4.
God's way of dealing with one who is down and out is illustrated in the
story of
5. True or False: God condemns sin but seeks to save the sinner
6.
True or False: The Members of the Godhead, like Their human fellow
workers on earth, keep close supervision of the work of the church; They ex-
press joy when the work is prospering and sorrow when the work lags
(The answers are at the bottom of the page.)
•
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fat2v1.1 (t.) :aauvtdaaav (r) ! (z) !amp° tpua
uoputaa `uttof Vuaatuanas (I) :saamsuv
12
LESSON 2
January
9
THE CHRISTIAN'S MORAL CODE TODAY
4
,
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, good-
ness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Gal. 5:22, 23.
God, in His quest to reveal His love and
genuine concern for a wayward people, has
not left man in doubt as to a system of
values based on a solid moral code.
From the beginning of time man was
aware of right and wrong (Gen. 2:17; 3:
1-10; 4:1-15), and in a close relationship
with God man was asked to obey God di-
rectly. There is ample evidence for the ex-
istence of God's moral code before Sinai.
Later the commandments given at Sinai
were further defined and attitudes and mo-
tives were stressed when Jesus came to our
world.
Finally, men like Paul and Peter were
inspired to enlarge,
on such values as love,
fidelity, brotherly kindness, purity, patience,
and godliness. These qualities are based on
God's great moral code of love to Him and
our fellowmen. Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37, 38;
Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39.
Today, Christians have never had such
a crucial need for a system of values. What
has God revealed that will assist me in
developing a character like His? See
Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 69. This lesson will
attempt to answer that question.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. Love, Faith, Brotherly Kindness
1 Cor. 13:4-7
2. Purity
Matt. 5:27, 28
3. Patience, Temperance
James 1:2-4; 1 Cor. 9:25
4. Knowledge, Wisdom
2 Chron. 1:10-12
5. Joy, Peace, Gentleness
John 16:22; Phil. 4:7; 2 Cor. 10:1
6. Godliness, Virtue
1 Tim. 2:1, 2; 2 Peter 1:5
13
The Christian's Moral Code Today
LESSON 2
❑
Sunday
January 3
Part 1
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth
LOVE, FAITH, not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not
BROTHERLY behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not
KINDNESS easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity,
but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all
1 Cor. 13:4-7
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Love
—
a
feeling of strong personal attachment induced by
that which delights or commands admiration. For Biblical
usage see
SDA Bible Dictionary,
on "Love."
Love as a moral value is illustrated in God's devotion to
His Old Testament
.
people in spite of their inconsistent way of
life. Jer. 31:3. With God we can expect love to be demon-
strated in its most perfect form. But in the history of man
there have been some worthy examples of love: Hosea and his
steadfast love for his wayward wife; Paul's love and concern
for Onesimus and Philemon; and the father in the story of the
prodigal son.
Faith—belief and trust in and loyalty to God. For Biblical
usage see
SDA Bible Dictionary,
on "Faith."
God promised in the Old Testament, speaking to Joshua, "I
will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5) ; and in the
New Testament this promise was reemphasized in the book of
Hebrews: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." God
calls for us today to manifest the same steadfastness in all our
relationships.
Brotherly Kindness.
Read Hebrews 13:1, 2. For Biblical
usage see
SDA Bible Dictionary,
on "Brother";
SDA Bible
Commentary,
on 2 Peter 1:7.
I am to express my love first to God, then to my brother,
and then I am to think of myself. The nature of fallen man
is selfish. The way back to God begins when man can honestly
put his neighbor first—as the Godhead did in giving Jesus.
Phil. 2 :5-8 ; John 3:16, 17.
What are some of the qualities of charity?
THINK IT THROUGH
Can we honestly claim we possess real love when we
grumble and show reluctance to help people in need?
"It is not the opposition of the world
most grievous disaster and most surely
that most endangers the church of retards the progress of God's cause."
Christ. It is the evil cherished in the
—"The Acts of the Apostles," page 549.
hearts of believers that works their
THE SECOND MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 546-556.
14
The Christian's Moral Code Today
LESSON 2
❑
Monday
January 4
Part 2
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time,
PURITY Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That
whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath
Matt. 5:27, 28 committed adultery with her already in his heart."
Purity—freedom from foulness; faultlessness; guiltlessness;
freedom from foreign matter. See 1 Tim. 4:12 ; 5:2, 22.
In a day when many choose their own code of morals, how
important it is to comprehend the meaning of purity and
experience it in our own lives.
We find in
The Desire of Ages,
page 308, this revealing state-
ment: "The law is an expression of the thought of God; when
received in Christ,
it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the
power of natural desires
and tendencies, above temptations
that lead to sin." (Italics supplied.) The seventh command-
ment is part of God's law. Why do we allow the devil to harass
us with unclean mental pictures? Why do we stand for the
uncomfortable, impure feelings that come into mind and cause
guilt? Do we excuse ourselves when our emotions are "touched,"
by saying, "These feelings are only human feelings, and I can't
help myself"? Would God ask a man for a pure heart (mind)
if it were an impossible task? 1 Tim. 5:2, 22; 2 Cor. 6:6;
1 John 3:1-9;
Counsels to Teachers,
page 103.
The Bible says, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall
see God." Matt. 5:8. What a privilege it is, by the grace of
God, to achieve purity of heart! See
SDA Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 5:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
What did Jesus say was the same as committing the
physical act of adultery? Matt. 5:28.
Do we have a responsibility to each other within the
church in accomplishing this attitude of purity? What do
you think it is?
"But the words of Jesus, 'Blessed are
the pure in heart,' have a deeper mean-
ing—not merely pure in the sense in
which the world understands purity,
free from that which is sensual, pure
from lust, but true in the hidden pur-
poses and motives of the soul, free
from pride and self-seeking, humble,
unselfish, childlike.
"Only like can appreciate like. Un-
less you accept in your own life the
principle of self-sacrificing love, which
is the principle of His character, you
cannot know God. . . . So with the
Bi-
ble.
... The glory of its truths, that are
as high as heaven and compass eter-
nity, is undiscerned."—"Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing," page 25.
THE SECOND MILE: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 24-27, 59, 60.
(1943 ed., pages 42-45, 93, 94.)
15
The Christian's Moral Code Today
LESSON 2
❑
Tuesday
January 5
Part 3
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers
PATIENCE, temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith
TEMPERANCE worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is tern-
James 1:2-4 perate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corrup-
1 Cor. 9:25
tible crown; but we an incorruptible."
Patience—endurance;
fortitude; enduring pain and annoy-
ances without complaint; self-control under conditions that
provoke. For Biblical usage see
SDA Bible Dictionary,
on
"Patience."
We have heard a great deal about "the patience of the
saints." Rev. 14:12. This is not a quality that will be per-
fected in a few hours. While you read this lesson in the midst
of your child's play or ponder its principles while standing in
the middle of a crisis moment at work, you are developing this
quality. And each time that you successfully control the temp-
tation to speak scolding words or •threaten your fellows, you
are giving patience an opportunity to deepen in your life. Pa-
tience is an art. An art develops by practice.
Temperance—self-control;
ability to check or regulate, to
restrain, or •to govern self. For Biblical usage see
SDA Bible
Dictionary,
on "Temperance."
This grace makes it possible for one to be patient, to toler-
ate, to stand by and see something through to the end. Paul
told the church at Corinth that those striving for the mastery
would be "temperate in
all
things." 1 Cor. 9:25. A real test
comes when one has lost sleep or is tirod. See
Testimonies,
Vol.
7, p. 199. Jesus was tired on the night of His trial—yet He gave
no thought to His own feelings. He was pushed, kicked, and
spat upon; but never an angry word escaped His lips. Matt.
27:26-31. James spoke an eternal truth when he pointed out
that the man who controls his tongue is a wise man. James
3:2-8, 13.
What does testing do for patience? James 1:3.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do you think that there are strong and weak Chris-
tians, or do you think that all Christians have strong and
weak points? Which is best: to "rank" ourselves among
other Christians, or to look solely to Christ individually?
See Heb. 12:1, 2.
"Men will never be truly temperate un- cannot work reform."—"Temperance,"
til the grace of Christ is an abiding
page 102.
principle in the heart.... Circumstances
THE SECOND
MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 529-538.
16
The Christian's Moral Code Today
LESSON 2
❑
Wednesday
January 6
Part 4
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go
KNOWLEDGE, out and come in before this people: for who can judge
WISDOM this Thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solo-
mon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not
asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine ene-
mies, neither yet host asked long life; but hast asked
wisdom and knowledge for thy self, that thou mayest
judge My people, over whom I have made thee king:
wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and
I
will
give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none
of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither
2 Chron. 1:10-12
shall there any after thee have the like."
Knowledge—acquaintance
with fact; awareness; under-
standing. For Biblical usage see
SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Daniel 1:17.
Knowledge
is necessary for us to become aware, such as the
knowledge about our wonderful God and His concern for man-
kind.
Knowledge
is to be "coveted" as long as one gains it for
the honor of God. See
Messages to Young People,
pages 36, 37.
The attitude of Solomon in his early years was to be admired.
Is our attitude similar? What is the source of our knowledge?
Is it from God (Dan. 1:17) or from man?
Wisdom—the
power of judging rightly and following a
sound course of action based on knowledge, experience and
understanding. For Biblical usage see
SDA Bible Dictionary,
on
"Wisdom."
The Bible states that "the mouth of the righteous speaketh
wisdom." Ps. 37:30. Wisdom describes how to accomplish
something; it is the skill or judgment which makes it possible
for an individual to act effectively. In this case, it might be
how Christians, by the help of God, realize a continually grow-
ing experience with Christ. But not all wisdom is of God
(1 Cor. 3:19), and not all "wise" men are in a safe position
(1 Cor. 1:26, 27; 3:20). We are wise only when in a relation-
ship with God we are growing according to His plan.
What was God's answer to Solomon's request?
2 Chron. 1:12.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I "wise" because
I
know good and evil?
"God
is
the source of all wisdom. He ever lived cannot comprehend Him."—
is infinitely wise and just and good.
"Counsels to Teachers," page 66.
Apart from Christ, the wisest man that
THE SECOND MILE: "The Ministry of Healing," pages 503-516.
17
3-A1QT71
The Christian's Moral Code Today
LESSON 2
❑
Thursday
January 7
Part 5
"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you
JOY, PEACE, again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man
GENTLENESS taketh from you."
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understand-
ing, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus."
John 16:22
"Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and
Phil. 4:7 gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among
2 Cor. 10:1 you, but being absent am bold toward you."
Joy—the emotion excited by the expectation of good, well-
being, or success. For Biblical usage see
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
on Rom. 14:17.
A fully committed life brings this attribute-into being in the
life of the Christian. It makes the personality positive and
dynamic. Joy reveals to the outside world the peace that
floods the inside. Trial does not discourage this Christian
(1 Peter 4:12, 13) ; it only makes him "shine" brighter.
Peace—tranquillity, quietness; mental or spiritual state of
mind in which there is freedom from disquieting and perturbing
fears, passions, or conflicts. For Biblical usage see
SDA Bible
Commentary,
on John 14:27.
This attribute is of value to the Christian in two ways:
(1) physically and emotionally it allows him to relax and live
as God intended, and
(2)
mentally it allows the mind to be
clear so that he can help himself and his fellowmen to know
God and His will. John 14:27; 16:33.
Gentleness—mildness
of manners or disposition. For Bibli-
cal usage see
SDA Bible Commentary,
on Gal.
5:22.
Gentleness does not imply that one must become subject to
defeat or abuse consistently. It implies a quality of firm kind-
ness, strength, and self-control combined with a calm, quiet
disposition. Gentleness is considered a "passive" virtue, but
very essential. See
The Ministry of Healing,
page 497.
What is the peace that God gives? Phil. 4:7.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it essential that I express "joy" always even when
I hurt or am sorrowful?
"Ask Him to give you the gentleness coming natural and acquired tenden-
of Christ; then you will be true to your
cies to evil."—"Testimonies to Minis-
duty, true to your position of trust, and
ters," page 264.
true to God, a faithful steward, over-
THE SECOND MILE:
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 497-502.
18
The Christian's Moral Code Today
LESSON 2
❑
Friday
January 8
Part 6
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
GODLINESS, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for
VIRTUE all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and honesty."
1 Tim. 2:1, 2
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your
2 Peter 1:5 faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge."
Godliness—careful
observance of, or conformity to, the
laws of God. For Biblical usage see
SDA Bible Dictionary, on
"Godliness."
This virtue being associated with a Christian implies that
one can live a right life under the direction of God. Paul spoke
favorably of this attribute as he wrote to his young minister
friends. 1 Tim. 2:2; 6:6; Titus 1:1. But he also warned of a
false brand, characterized by "having the form . . . , but
denying the power thereof." Concerning this he instructed,
"turn away." 2 Tim. 3:5. Note Phillips's translation: "They will
maintain a façade of 'religion,' but their conduct will deny its
validity." Let no one make fun of you for paying an honest
tithe, for keeping all of God's commandments, for going to
church on Saturday, for helping the poverty-stricken. Just be
certain of your motives for doing these deeds. God will honor
your faithfulness, and you will continue to grow more and more
like Him.
Virtue—strength,
courage, moral excellence. For Biblical
usage, see
SDA Bible Commentary, on 2 Peter
1:3, 5.
This ends our discussion on the "elements" that make up
the Christian's moral code for today. Let it never be said that
Christianity is an easy way of life. Matt. 7:13, 14. Jesus was
strong, not weak. He was meek, but He was also courageous
and firm. So His followers must be strong, courageous, and
morally excellent. This is virtue. And this goal can be accom-
plished by a living relationship with God.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is Christianity a "soft" way of life or does it "soften"
one's life?
"Christian life is more than many
take it to be. It does not consist wholly
in gentleness, patience, meekness, and
kindliness. These graces are essential;
but there is need also of courage, force,
energy, and perseverance. The path
that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-
denying path. To enter that path and
press on through difficulties and dis-
couragements requires men who are
more than weaklings."—"The Ministry
of Healing," page 497.
THE SECOND MILE: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 341-348.
19
The Christian's Moral Code Today
LESSON 2
January
9
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Real love and brotherly kindness are expressed when we think of God first,
second, and
last.
2.
True or False: Purity includes being true to one's self and being free from\
pride and self-seeking
3.
Underline the correct answer: One
(a)
can have patience without tem-
perance;
(h)
can have temperance without patience;
(c)
cannot have pa-
tience without temperance—they go together.
4.
Complete: "
is the beginning
of
" "For the
of this world is
with God."
5.
True or False: Joy, peace, and gentleness make the Christian the target
for rebuke, trickery, and unwholesome mockery
6.
Complete: "The path that Christ marks out is a
path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements
requires men who are more than
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LESSON 3
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THE CHRISTIAN AND FAMILY RELATIONS
3
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey
not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the
wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose
adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wear-
ing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the
heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:1-4.
Among the important social relationships
on earth is that of marriage and family
life. Perhaps there is no other relationship
that Satan would rather destroy in this
contemporary generation than the one in-
volving the home.
Although God has gone on record as hav-
ing predicted the social conditions of the
last days, which include family unrest
(Matt. 24:38, 39; 2 Tim. 3:1-7), no Chris-
tian has to allow these conditions to influ-
ence him or enter his home.
Rather, the Creator has revealed to man-
kind the ideal principles which are •to gov-
ern marriage and family living. And He has
commanded the family to abide by the
Christian moral code in its interpersonal re-
lations inside and outside of the home. For
the home that is not united in religious
practice God has given specific instructions
to assist Christians in these circumstances
so that they may witness and live in peace.
1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 7:12-16.
God has a large plan in mind for the
Christian home. Through the pen of in-
spiration we read, "God would have our
families symbols of the family in heaven.
Let parents and children bear this in mind
every day, relating themselves to one an-
other as members of •the family of God.
Then their lives will be of such a character
as to give to the world an object lesson of
what families who love God and keep His
commandments may be. Christ will be glori-
fied; His peace and grace and love will
pervade the family circle like a precious
perfume."—The
Adventist Home,
page 17.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Husband-wife Companionship
Matt. 19:5, 6
2.
Mutual Love, Honor, and
Respect in Marriage
Col. 3:18, 19
3.
The Value of a Virtuous Mate
Prov. 12:4; Eph. 5:28, 29
4.
Relationship of Parents to
Children
Col. 3:21; Eph. 6:4
5.
Relationship of Children to
Parents
Eph. 6:1-3
6.
Love, Appreciation, and a
Sense of Self-worth
Eph. 5:28, 33
21
❑
Sunday
January 10
"For this cause shall a man leave father and mother,
and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one
flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man
put asunder."
"During childhood and youth a person's primary responsi-
bility is to his father and mother. This responsibility con-
tinues throughout life. . . . However, notwithstanding the
importance of this obligation it is subordinate to the marriage
law, and where the two may come into conflict—as the result
of human weaknesses and mistakes—a man's first responsibility
is to his
wife."—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 19:5.
What change in family relationships and loyalties
takes place when one marries? Verse 5. Cf. Eph. 5:31;
Gen. 2:24.
Part 1
HUSBAND-WIFE
COMPANIONSHIP
Matt. 19:5, 6
The Christian and Family Relations
LESSON 3
Marriage calls for oneness in the sense that two people are
growing toward a mutual understanding in certain vital areas
—attitudes, customs, goals, values, likes and dislikes—and yet
individuality is preserved. Concerning individuality, Ellen
White says, "Her individuality cannot be merged into that of
her husband, for she is the purchase of Christ. It is a mistake
to imagine that with blind devotion she is to do exactly as her
husband says in all things, when she knows that in so doing,
injury would be worked for her body and her spirit, which
have been ransomed from the slavery of Satan."—The
Ad-
ventist Home,
page 116.
The oneness in marriage comes when husbands and wives
treat each other with mutual respect and devotion (Col. 3:18,
19; Eph. 5:22, 23, 25; 1 Peter 3:1, 7) and keep the spirit of
the golden rule. Matt. 7:12. These principles are applicable in
homes where different religious goals and values are cherished.
A devoted believer, in silent witness, attracts to God much
more powerfully than a nagging sermonizer. See 1 Peter 3:1-4.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways do the relationships of the home com-
pare with the relationship that Christ has with His church?
"God Himself gave Adam a com-
panion. He provided 'an help meet for
him'—a helper corresponding to him—
one who was fitted to be his compan-
ion, and who could be one with him in
love and sympathy. Eve was created
from a rib taken from the side of
Adam, signifying that she was not to
control him as the head, nor to be
trampled under his feet as an inferior,
but to stand by his side as an equal, to
be loved and protected by him."—
"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 46.
THE SECOND MILE: Shryock, "Happiness for Husbands and Wives," pages 17-28.
22
The Christian and Family Relations
LESSON 3
Part 2
MUTUAL LOVE,
HONOR, AND
RESPECT
IN MARRIAGE
Col. 3:18, 19
❑
Monday
January 11
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as
it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be
not bitter against them."
It has been stated that God did not take Eve from man's
foot; thus woman is not to be trampled upon. And God did
not take woman from man's head; thus she is not to rule the
man. Instead, she was taken from the region of man's heart
—thus mutual love, honor, and respect are to rule in Christian
marriage. See
Testimonies,
Vol. 7, pp. 45-50; Gen. 2:21-24;
1 Peter 3:1, 7. "Submit" in Col. 3:18 (also in Eph.
5:22;
Rom.
10:3; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:5) means "to put oneself under
orders," coming from the idea of knowing and willingly ac-
cepting one's rank or order. This word needs careful study by
both husbands and wives, for it is a command from God. It is
quite easy to see what happens when the word "submit" is
misunderstood or ignored.
"The ethics of Christian relationships within the family are
clear when once it is seen that difference and subordination do
not in any sense imply inferiority. The submission enjoined
upon the wife is of the kind that can be given only between
equals, not a servile obedience, but a voluntary submission in
the respects in which the man was qualified by his Maker to
be head. . . . This principle of submission is permanent, but
its specific application may vary from age to age according to
custom and social consciousness."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 5:22.
Marriage is a mutual relationship. If it is to reach the ideal,
both partners must consent to the principle of the golden rule
and concentrate on the development of a character made from
the building blocks discovered in Lesson Two.
What attitude should the husband have toward his
wife? What admonition is given to the wife? Eph. 5:22,
23, 25.
THINK IT THROUGH
What might be one word that would summarize the
ideal relationship between husband and wife?
"We must have the Spirit of God, or
we can never have harmony in the
home. The wife, if she has the spirit of
Christ, will be careful of her words; she
will control her spirit, she will be sub-
missive, and yet will not feel that she
is a bondslave, but a companion to her
husband. If the husband is a servant of
God, he will not lord it over his wife;
he will not be arbitrary and exacting.
We cannot cherish home affection with
too much care; for the home, if the
Spirit of the Lord dwells there, is a type
of heaven. . . . If one errs, the other
will exercise Christlike forbearance and
not draw coldly away."—"The Advent-
ist Home," page 118
THE SECOND MILE: "The Adventist Home," pages 114-128.
23
The Christian and Family Relations
LESSON 3
❑
Tuesday.
January 12
Part 3
"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she
THE VALUE OF A that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."
VIRTUOUS MATE
"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.
Prov. 12:4
. . . For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nour-
Eph. 5:28, 29 isheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church."
In our day the term "compatibility" defines the necessary
attitudes and desires for getting along harmoniously together
in a marriage relationship.
Some of the areas connected with compatibility include the
following: (1) Finance. (Who takes care of the money? Does
the wife work? What about credit and installment buying,
et cetera ?) (2) Children and family life. (Agreements on a
mutual, loying relationship between husband and wife, when
to have children and how many, et cetera. (3) Likes and dis-
likes. (Agreements about likes and dislikes—are they major
and impossible to change, or can an understanding be ac-
complished?) (4) Self-fulfillment. (Personal goals discussed
and agreements reached.) (5) Education. (How much is needed,
choice of life's work, wife's education goals and future con-
sidered.) (6) Religious and cultural backgrounds. (Are they
the same? How
-
will our marriage succeed if they are not?
How can I fulfill 2 Cor. 6:14-16 and still accept difference in
this area ?)
These are important items for consideration, but God asks
us also to consider the importance of the simple virtues found
in Prov. 31:10-31. If the husband expects the wife to respect
him and treat him as her "king," should he not set an ex-
ample of godly living for her? And if the wife expects the hus-
band to treat her with admiration and honor, should she not
seek to excel in these ideals?
In homes where only one is a believer, the role of a virtuous
mate has an exceptionally large function. The golden rule can
do more to win than a thousand sermons. Love in action is
hard to deny. 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 7:12-16;
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
on 1 Cor. 7:12-16.
What is the value of a virtuous woman to a man? How
is the man to treat the wife?
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I allow church activities (Dorcas work, committees,
et cetera) or my profession to become an avenue of sel-
fishness for my personal gain, thereby cheating my mate
of God-ordained attention and devotion?
"To gain a proper understanding of
the marriage relation is the work of a
lifetime. Those who marry enter a
school from which they are never in
this life to be graduated."—"Testimo-
nies," Vol. 7, p. 45.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Adventist Home," pages 43-49, 223-228.
24
The Christian and Family Relations
LESSON 3
Part 4
RELATIONSHIP
OF PARENTS
TO CHILDREN
Col. 3:21
Eph. 6:4
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Wednesday
January 13
"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they
be discouraged."
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:
but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord."
Much has been written and discussed on the subject of the
"generation gap" (communication breakdown between two
generations), but God has never intended His creatures to in-
terrelate in any other fashion than in terms of understanding
and mutual fellowship. This includes the parent-child and
parent-teen relationships as well.
The message of reformation that came to Malachi (Mal.
4:5, 6) and that was later repeated to the people of Christ's day
(Luke 1:17) included the admonition that "the hearts of the
fathers" should be turned "to the children." "The declaration
of Malachi, here cited by Luke, has . . . been explained literally
as applying to parental responsibility in bringing up children
in 'the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Eph. 6:4). . . .
The home is certainly included in the work of reform here
described as being an important aspect of making 'ready a
people prepared for the Lord.'
"—SDA Bible Commentary,
on
Luke 1:17.
The word "provoke" in Col. 3:21 means to incite or stir up
anger, hostility, or the urge to fight. Patience, firmness, com-
munication, and understanding will go farther in dealing with
growing children and their problems than authoritarianism and
force. See
The Adventist Home,
pages 292-316;
SDA Bible
Commentary,
on Col. 3:21. What applies to fathers also applies
to mothers. Both have the responsibility of encouraging their
family toward the kingdom. See
The Adventist Home,
pages
211, 280.
What results when children are provoked? CoI. 3:21.
Is there a "generation gap" in our church?
"Actual wrong should be made to mind, but with a degree of courage that
appear just as sinful as it is, and a they can improve and gain your con-
firm, decided course should be pursued fidence and approval."—"Child Guid-
to prevent its recurrence; yet children
ance," page 279.
should not be left in a hopeless state of
THE SECOND MILE: "Child Guidance," pages 279-287, 223-228.
25
4-A1QT71
Part 5
RELATIONSHIP
OF CHILDREN
TO PARENTS
Eph. 6:1-3
❑
Thursday
January 14
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is
right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first
commandment with promise; that it may be well with
thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."
The word "obey" means •"to accord with another's com-
mands or wishes." Parents and teachers have a large part to
play in leading and communicating a right way of life to
children and teen-agers. Children are commanded to "obey"
in the Lord. We are commanded not Ito "provoke" them to
anger but to train them according to the admonition of the
Lord. Eph. 6:4. The kind of firmness and discipline urged .by
the wise man (Prov. 13:24; 23:13) is certainly needed now.
But much that is called discipline today is nothing but mis-
placed hostility and aggression. See
Child Guidance,
pages 244-
257. If children and teen-agers are to obey "in the Lord," they
will have to be treated always like persons, never like "objects."
Even though our day might not be long enough, it must in-
clude some time for companionship where children and teen-
agers may know that they count, where they feel that someone
"reads them" and listens to how they
feel
rather than to be
involved in a heated debate over what they
say.
See
The Ad-
ventist Home,
pages 220-223.
What are children admonished to do? Eph. 6:1.
The Christian and Family Relations
LESSON 3
THINK IT THROUGH
How do I want to relate to the question, "Where is the
flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?" Jer. 13:20.
"One well-ordered, well-disciplined
family tells more in behalf of Christian-
ity than all the sermons that can be
preached. Such a family gives evidence
that the parents have been successful
in following God's directions, and that
their children will serve Him in the
church. Their influence grows; for as
they impart, they receive to impart
again. The father and mother find help-
ers in their children, who give to others
the instruction received in the home.
The neighborhood in which they live is
helped, for in it they have become en-
riched for time and for eternity. The
whole family is engaged in the service
of the Master; and by their godly ex-
ample, others are inspired to be faithful
and true to God in dealing with His
flock, His beautiful flock."—"The Advent-
ist Home," page 32.
THE
SECOND MILE:
"Messages to Young People," pages 331,338.
26
Part 6
LOVE,
APPRECIATION,
AND A SENSE OF
SELF-WORTH
Eph. 5:28, 33
111
Friday
January 15
"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.
He that loveth his wife loveth himself."
"Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so
love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she
reverence her husband."
To be loved and appreciated and to be in possession of a
positive self-concept constitute deep human needs. They give
an individual moral and emotional strength, a sense of direc-
tion, real purpose and vision, and definite confidence and
security.
Do we depend solely upon our family for the personal and
emotional assurance that we are worth something, or have we
also become convinced of this by our knowledge of what the
Godhead has invested in us? See
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 634,
635.
Are we able •to compliment and encourage our mate and
family members properly and warmly and honestly, or is it
our habit •to downgrade and call attention to their faults?
"Let each give love rather than exact it. Cultivate that which
is noblest in yourselves, and be quick to recognize the good
qualities in each other. The consciousness of being appreciated
is a wonderful stimulus and satisfaction. Sympathy and re-
spect encourage the striving after excellence, and love itself
increases as it stimulates to nobler aims."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 361.
The sense of love, appreciation, and self-worth are noble
aims. They can be yours if you determine, by God's help, to
cultivate them in your life. Your family can be among the
happiest in the world. Ps. 128.
How deep is a man's love to be for his wife? Eph. 5:28.
The Christian and Family Relations
LESSON 3
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I make it a personal habit to see myself as one
that is dearly loved, appreciated, and respected by my
family and my God?
"The two who unite their interest in
life, will have distinct characteristics
and individual responsibilities. Each
one will have his or her work, but
women are not to be valued by the
amount of work. they can do as are
beasts of burden. The•wife is to grace
the family circle as a wife and com-
panion to a wise husband. At every
step she should inquire, 'Is this the
standard of true womanhood?' and,
'How shall I make my influence Christ-
like in my home?' The husband should
let his wife know that he appreciates
her work.
"The wife is to respect her husband.
The husband is to love and cherish his
wife; and as their marriage vow unites
them as one, so their belief in Christ
should make them one in Him."—"The
Adventist Home," page 114.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Ministry of Healing," pages 356-362.
27
The Christian and Family Relations
LESSON 3
January 16
Part 7 0 SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Multiple Choice: When a conflict arises between a man's responsibility to
his parents and to his wife,
(a)
his parents;
(b)
his wife;
(c)
both should
receive first attention
2.
Multiple Choice: "Submit" means:
(a)
to become a slave to the man;
(b)
to be equal;
(c)
to be second in rank on a voluntary basis;
(d)
to be secondary.
3.
Some of the values of a virtuous mate are
4.
True or False: Fathers are the only ones who are likely to "provoke" a
child; so the principle of Col. 3:21 applies only to them
5.
Multiple Choice: If children are to obey "in the Lord," they will have to
be treated:
(a)
like objects;
(b)
like adults;
(c)
like persons;
(d)
according
to the way they act
6.
Complete: "Let each
Ministry of Healing,
page 361.
love rather than
it
"—The
lauxa `an!2 (9) f (s) !aqua (t) `
•(T£
-
OT:T£ svanoza aas)
f (g) q (I) :saamsuv
28
LESSON 4
January
23
CARE ENOUGH TO ACT ACT LIKE YOU CARE
4
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the
world." James 1:27.
God so loved that while we were yet
enemies He let Jesus die in our place. Rom.
5:6-11. He gave Himself for His family.
God requires that we also provide our fam-
ilies with disinterested love.
Further, He teaches us by example that
we are to care for those in need who are
not members of our immediate family. We
must help our friends when they are in
trouble even if •they have been the cause
of their own problems. We must always do
the right—whatever the cost may be to us.
Ellen G. White has said, "All who are
consecrated to God will be channels of
light. God makes them His agents to com-
municate to others the riches of His grace.
His promise is, 'I will make them and the
places round about My hill a blessing; and
I will cause the shower to come down in
his season; there shall be showers of bless-
ing.' Ezek. 34:26.
"Philip said to Nathanael, 'Come and
see.' He did not ask him to accept another's
testimony, but to behold Christ for himself.
Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven,
His disciples are His representatives among
men, and one of the most effective ways of
winning souls to Him is in exemplifying
His character in our daily life. Our influ-
ence upon others depends not so much
upon what we say as upon what we are."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 141, 142.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Eternal Principle—Love as You
Love Yourself
Lev. 19:18
2.
Begin With Your Family
1 Tim. 5:8
3.
Love Your Enemies
Matt. 5:43, 44
4.
Be Sociable to All People
Matt. 9:10-12
5.
Those Who Cause Their. Own
Problems
Matt. 14:24-27
6.
Samaritan Parable—The Ideal
Luke 10:33, 34
29
Part 1
ETERNAL PRINCIPLE
—LOVE AS YOU
LOVE YOURSELF
Lev. 19:18
THINK IT THROUGH
-
El
Sunday
January 17
"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against
the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neigh-
bor as thyself: I am the Lord."
Two questions need to be answered: "Who is my neighbor?"
and "What is my duty toward my neighbor?"
The first question may be answered by saying that anyone
in need is my neighbor, regardless of race, creed, or color.
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 376. It may be "poverty" of any
kind—spiritual, physical, or social. Regardless of the kind, it
is my privilege to represent God in this world and to relieve
the pain of poverty. Matt. 25:34-40; James 1:27.
How does God want me to feel toward my neighbor?
Matt. 22:39.
Are there those in my church that are "poverty-
stricken"? Which is more urgent—to relieve the pain of
poverty within the church or outside of the church?
The second question is answered by the Scriptural reference
—"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." This includes the
unlovables (Matt. 9:10-12), the stranger (Matt. 15:21-28), the
enemies (Luke 6:27, 35; 22:50, 51), the gifted (John 3:1-13),
those who are the objects of discrimination (John 4:1-26),
just to mention a few. My duty as a neighbor is not to judge
or criticize, but to be a "light" shining in a "dark,
place." Matt.
5:13-16;
SDA Bible Commentary,
on Lev. 19:18.
In doing Christian works, what is more important, my
motive for doing the deed, or doing the deed because
other Christians do it?
Care Enough to Act—Act Like You Care
LESSON 4
"In His life and lessons, Christ has
given a perfect exemplification of the
unselfish ministry which has its origin
in God. God does not live for Himself.
By creating the world, and by uphold-
ing all things, He is constantly minister-
ing for others.... This ideal of ministry
God has committed to His Son. Jesus
was given to stand at the head of hu-
manity, that by His example He might
teach what it means to minister. His
whole life was under a law of service.
He served all, ministered to all. Thus
He lived the law of God, and by His
example showed how we are to obey
it."—"The Desire of Ages," page 649.
THE SECOND MILE: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 376-389. (192.3 ed., pages
381-395.
30
Care Enough to Act—Act Like You Care
LESSON 4
❑
Monday
January 18
Part 2
"If any provide not for his own, and specially for those
BEGIN WITH of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse
YOUR FAMILY than an infidel."
1. Tim. 5:8
In Testimonies,
Vol. 5, pp. 178-182, a story is related con-
cerning a man who thought it was proper to take life easy and
"'drift." Two counts were charged against him. The first con-
cerned his conduct and business habits. They were so deplor-
able that he was warned that if he did not change, his example
might endanger the reputations of his Christian brethren. The
second count was his example and conduct in his home. His
sons copied his habit of laziness while the wife toiled unend-
ingly to do all the work. The solution that was offered for this
problem was self-discipline in the life.
Our needs have not changed. The quality of one's life deter-
mines the quality of our neighborliness. And the way we
achieve quality in the first place is by self-discipline in the life.
The Bible writers were concerned that Christians carry their
religion with them. They were to be industrious, not idle
(slothful) or motionless. Prov. 22:29; 10:4; Rom. 12:11; Matt.
2.5:21. Religion was not to be a mere performance; it was to
be real living. This living demonstration was meant for the
street, the workshop, the office, the ball game, the home, the
social occasion. No shades of difference, no degrees of intensity,
were to be witnessed. Simply a consistent, trustworthy example
of living communion with God was recommended by our Lord.
Matt. 5:13-16; 10:32. See also Rom. 10:9-11.
THFNK IT' THROUGH
To what is a person likened who neglects family and
relatives? In what sequence should the following ideas
be grouped: Love to neighbor; love and acceptance of
myself; love to God; love to family and relatives?
"The many admonitions to diligence
found in both the Old and the New
Testament plainly indicate the intimate
relation existing between our habits of
life and our religious feelings and prac-
tices. The human mind and body are so
constituted that plenty of exercise is
THE SECOND MILE: "Testimonies," Vol.
necessary in order to a proper develop-
ment of all the faculties. While many
are too much engaged in worldly busi-
ness, others go to the opposite extreme
and do not labor sufficiently to support
themselves or those dependent upon
them."—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 178.
5, pp. 178-182.
31
Part 3
LOVE YOUR
ENEMIES
Matt. 5:43, 44
❑
Tuesday
January. 19
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love
thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you,
Love your enemies."
Do you have enemies? Can you see yourself going to them
and treating them with kindness? Can you visualize yourself
not murmuring when a Christian brother takes advantage of
you on a business deal? See
The Desire of Ages,
page 265, for
Christ's example.
Your enemies are to be considered as valuable in the sight
of God. In fact, we are enemies to God unless we come to
God and experience a thorough change in our personal living
habits. Rom. 5:6-10; 2 Cor. 5:17. Christ loved His enemies.
Luke 23:34. We are to follow His example. God wants us to
be examples of reconciliation, not judges or condemnatory or
sharp-tongued servants of gossip or backbiting.
Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing,
page 75.
It is easy to love the lovely. But it is quite another thing
to love the unlovely, the gruff, the contemptuous, the stern,
the unkind. Matt. 5:43-47. However, God loves and remembers
all men, for He is the Creator and Redeemer of all. And,
while He could easily spread the good news of reconciliation,
He has chosen His professed disciples as His instruments. How
can our message have any force if we hate our enemies? See
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pages 73-75.
Care Enough to Act—Act Like You Care
LESSON 4
How are we to treat our enemies?
THINK IT THROUGH
Who would be the greatest enemy of God—the one
who professes to follow Him and hates his enemies, or
the one who lives without God?
"The children of God are those who
are partakers of His nature. It is not
earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality,
nor religious privilege, which proves
that we are members of the family of
God; it is love, a love that embraces
all humanity. Even sinners whose hearts
are not utterly closed to God's Spirit,
will respond to kindness; while they
may give hate for hate, they will also
give love for love. But it is only the
Spirit of God that gives love for hatred.
To be kind to the unthankful and to the
evil, to do good hoping for nothing
again, is the insignia of the royalty of
heaven, the sure token by which the
children of the Highest reveal their
high estate."—"Thoughts From• the
Mount of Blessing," page 75.
THE SECOND MILE: "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 73-75. (1943
ed., pages 113-115.)
32
Care Enough to Act—Act Like You Care
LESSON 4
Part 4
BE SOCIABLE
TO ALL PEOPLE
Matt. 9:1 0-1 2
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Wednesday
January 20
"And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the
house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and
sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the
Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth
your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus
heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need
not a physician, but they that are sick."
It is rather easy to befriend those who are accepted by so-
ciety. But those who need our help are the ones who are
rejected. Jesus chose to sit with the publican, the sinner, the
scorned, because they knew their need. Wealth, popularity, and
security often tend to make a person feel little need for God.
Perhaps this is because man has a habit of viewing himself as
one who is fairly well off. Matt. 19:16-26. This state of mind
is dangerous because the Bible clearly says that man is lawless
and there is nothing good in him. Rom. 3:23; Isa. 64:6.
We, as disciples of Christ, are called to minister to all re-
gardless of class, creed, or color. God needs men who are not
afraid for their reputation to walk as Jesus walked among men
in need. We have a source from which we can draw which
can make us lovable and loving Christians. 1 Cor. 13. We are
to be the lights in a dark world, giving hope and bringing
peace to fearful hearts.
The Christian should be concerned only that he feed on the
Living Bread and grow continually into the fullness of Christ.
John 6:48-51. Other than this, the Christian is called upon to
be open and friendly to all men just as his Lord so clearly
demonstrated at the feast in Matthew's house. See
The Desire
of Ages,
pages 272-280.
What was Jesus' reason for eating with the publicans
and sinners? Matt. 9:12.
Where do I draw the line between sociability with the
world for the cause of God and maintaining a pure Chris-
tian life? See John 17:14, 15; "The Acts of the Apostles,"
pages 467, 468.
"Jesus sat as an honored guest at the
table of the publicans, by His sympathy
and social kindliness showing that He
recognized the dignity of humanity; and
men longed to become worthy of His
confidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His
THE SECOND MILE: "The Desire of Ages," pages 272-280.
5-A1QT71
33
words fell with blessed, life-giving
power. New impulses were awakened,
and the possibility of a new life opened
to these outcasts of society."—"The De-
sire of Ages," page 274.
.Care Enough to Act—Act Like You Care
LESSON 4
❑
Thursday
January 21
THINK IT THROUGH
"'But the ship.was now in the midst of the sea, tossed
with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth
watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the
sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea,
they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried
out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them,
saying, 'Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."
How often it takes poverty and adversity to gain human at-
tention. Trial is a blessing if it is accepted in the right frame
of mind.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page 10; Heb.
12:6. But often, perhaps unwittingly, we cause our own state
of poverty, adversity, or trial. Ellen White suggests several rea-
sons why poverty and trial afflict the human race: idleness
(Counsels to Teachers,
page 275), lack of perseverence
(The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 194, 195), lack of right judgment
—wisdom
(Ibid.,
p. 195), love of display
(Ibid.,
page 197), ill-
ness and misfortune
(Ibid.,
pp. 190, 195;
Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 531), persecution
(The Desire of Ages,
page 637),
neglecting God's plan
(Counsels to Teachers,
pages 275, 276),
just to mention a few.
Because of their stubbornness and unbelief, the disciples ex-
perienced a severe and life-threatening storm on Galilee. See
The Desire of Ages,
page 380. Yet Christ ministered to them
with tender compassion. Likewise, though some of those in
trouble have caused their own misfortunes, Christ asks us to
follow His example in ministering to their needs.
Poverty can be a challenge to Christianity.
Welfare Ministry,
page 177. We are called to assist as Jesus assisted people while
He was here on earth.
The Desire of Ages,
pages 637-641. This
is brotherly kindness and love.
In what way did the disciples react to Christ's attempt
to help them? Matt. 14:26.
How much and for how long am I to help those who
are in need? Where does education come into the pic-
ture? Can all people be educated to live a better life?
Part • 5
THOSE WHO
CAUSE THEIR
OWN PROBLEMS
Matt. 14:24-27
"The Saviour's example is to be the
standard of our service for the tempted
and the erring. The same interest and
tenderness and long-suffering that He
has manifested toward us, we are to
manifest toward others. 'As I have
loved you,' He says, 'that ye also love
one another.' John 13:34. If Christ
dwells in us, we shall reveal His unsel-
fish love toward all with whom we
have to do. As we see men and women
in need of sympathy and help, we shall
not ask, 'Are they worthy?' but 'How
can I benefit them?'"—"The Ministry of
Healing," page 162.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Desire of Ages," page 377-382.
34
Care Enough to Act—Act Like You Care
LESSON 4
Part 6
SAMARITAN
PARABLE—
THE IDEAL
Luke 10:33, 34
❑
Friday
January 22
"But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came
where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion
on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds,
pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast,
and brought him to an inn, and took care of him."
Perhaps the ultimate-illustration of neighborliness is found
in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Do we no,t find ample
opportunity to duplicate this touching scene today? Or are we
living in constant fear. that if we stop to assist one in need, we
might be attacked or harmed? If-so, see Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 3, p. 1153 ;
Early Writings,
page 60. Read 1 John 4:18.
"In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture
of Himself and His. mission. Mdn had been deceived,' bruised,
robbed, and ruined 'by Satan, and left to perish; but the
Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He -left His •
glory, to come to our. rescue. He found us ready to die, and
He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us
with His robe- of righteousness. He opened_to us a .refuge of
safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges.
He died to redeem
us."—The Desire of Ages,.
pages 503, 504.
Dangers have always been .present to every generation of
Christians. God is always using men with a sense of mission—
who throw themselves heart and soul into _the work He has
given them to do, without asking what the result will be. "The
Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With'
Him there can -be, no such -thing as failure, loss, impossibility,
or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens
us."The Desire of Ages,
page 490; See
also,.Thoughts From-
the Mount of Blessing,
page 118.
What three classes of people are represented in the
parable of the Good Samaritan? Luke 10:30-34.
THINK IT THROUGH
Should we take any thought for our own personal
protection when we hear of or see a fellow human in
need?
"He [the Samaritan] did not question
whether the stranger was a Jew or a
Gentile. If a Jew, the Samaritan well
knew that, were their condition re-
versed, the man would spit in his face,
and pass him by with contempt. But he
did not hesitate on account of this. He
did not consider that he himself might
be in danger of violence by tarrying in
the place. It was enough that there
was before him a human being in need
and suffering."—"The Desire of Ages,"
page 503.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Desire of Ages," pages 497-505.
35
Care Enough to Act—Act Like You Care
LESSON 4
January 23
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Anyone who is in
is my neighbor.
2.
True or False: In 1 Timothy 5:8 we are told that the Christian who for-
gets to provide for his family is worse than an infidel
3. Christ's method in dealing with His enemies is to
them.
4.
Multiple choice: God says:
(a)
We are to be selective in our choice of
"neighbors";
(b)
We are to minister to those in our social-economic group
only;
(c)
We are to be "servants" and to help all regardless of creed, class, or
color;
(d)
All are correct
5.
True or False: Poverty is a sign of God's disfavor
6.
Circle the correct word in each set of parentheses. "He [the Samaritan]
(did; did not) question whether the stranger was a Jew or a Gentile. It was
enough that there was before him a human in (need; pain) and (suffering;
hunger)."
.2upalins
‘4ou py (9) fasreA (9) :D (t) `
•anol (r) !anii (z) !paati (j) :saamsttv
36
"That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they
also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me."
John 17:21.
As there is unity in heaven, so it was
God's plan that there should be unity in
the church family as well. A house of wor-
ship divided cannot stand.
"The unity of the church is the convinc-
ing evidence that God has sent Jesus into
the world as its Redeemer. This is an argu-
ment which worldings cannot controvert.
Therefore Satan is constantly working to
prevent this union and harmony, that un-
believers, by witnessing backsliding, dis-
sension, and strife among professed Chris-
tians, may become disgusted with religion
and be confirmed in their impenitence. God
is dishonored by those who profess the
truth while they are at variance and en-
mity with one another. Satan is the great
accuser of the brethren, and all who engage
in this work are enlisted in his service.
"We profess to have more truth than
other denominations; yet if this does not
lead to greater consecration, to purer, holier
lives, of what benefit is it to us? It would
be better for us never to have seen the
light of truth than to profess to accept it
and not be sanctified through
it."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 5, p. 620.
This statement includes members and
leaders. The members should respect and
honor their leaders. The leaders, in turn, are
to be worthy of that respect. Only thus
can the church have a real influence on its
neighbors.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Church as God's Organiza-
tion
1 Cor. 12:12-14
2.
Harmony Begins With Each
Member
1 John 4:7, 19, 20
3.
Jesus' Prayer
John 17:20, 21
4.
Responding to Leadership
1 Thess. 5:12, 13
5.
Right Kind of Leader
Matt. 20:25-28
6.
Unity Brings Action
Acts 2:46, 47
37
❑
Sunday
January 24
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and
all the members of that one body, being many, are one
body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all bap-
tized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles,
whether we be bond or free; and have been all made
to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member,
but many."
God desires order and design. This is evident in all of His
creation. From the innocent beauty of the rose to the complex
systems of the galaxies observed by telescope, God consistently
gives evidence of His desire to have all things "done decently
and in order" (1 Cor. 14:40) ; and the operation of His church
is included.
The Old Testament people knew this system of orderliness.
Ex. 25:10 to 31:18. And it was not neglected in the New Tes-
tament. Paul speaks of this subject and refers to the church as
a body with many members. In the
SDA Bible Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 12:12, we read: "The human body is one organism,
but it is composed of various members and parts, each having
its own indispensable function, and all uniting harmoniously
in one whole. Though the different parts of the body are separ-
ate and distinct in their shape, size, and functions, they are all
essential, and all unite in making up the entire body, and are
all under the same guiding power, the head.
"The apostle represents the chu
rch as the body of Christ,
signifying that it is one united body, with Christ as its head
(see 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:18-24). By a figure
of speech a part is here made to represent the whole. Christ,
the head of the church, stands for the entire church. All the
members of the church are separate individuals, having vary-
ing offices and responsibilities in the church. For these tasks
they receive gifts from God appropriate to their individual
needs, but they all are answerable to Christ and are united in
Him."
Church Relations
Part 1
THE CHURCH
AS GOD'S
ORGANIZATION
1 Cor. 12:12-14
LESSON 5
What is the church likened to?
THINK IT THROUGH
How can the church be organized and still act in a
spontaneous fashion as in the days of the apostles?
"I testify to my brethren and sisters object on earth on which He bestows
that the church of Christ, enfeebled
His supreme regard."—"Testimonies to
and defective as it may be, is the only
Ministers," page 15.
THE SECOND MILE: "Testimonies to Ministers," pages 24-32. ("The Remnant
Church," pages 15-22.)
38
Church Relcitions
LESSON 5
❑
Monday
January 25:
Part 2 '
"Beloved, let us love one another:: for love is of God;
HARMONY and everyone that loveth is born of God, and.knoweth
BEGINS WITH God."
EACH MEMBER
"We love Him, because He first, loved us. IC a man
say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for
he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how
.•.
1 John 4:7, 19, 20 can he love God whom he hath not.seen?"
Can men and women sit in the same church and hate each
other and still be useful to God? How effectively we could
work for God if we knew the art of love ! 1 Corinthians 13.
Unity within the church begins within the mind and heart of
every member. The moral values of patience, self-control,
brotherly kindness, gentleness, purity, just to name a few, are
equally as essential in the church today as they were in apostolic
times.
Harmony does not destroy individuality. Ellen G. White
says, "The religion of Christ does not require us to lose our
identity of character, but merely to adapt ourselves, in some
measure, to the feelings and ways of others. Many people may
be brought together in a unity of religious faith whose opinions,
habits, and tastes in temporal matters are not in harmony; but
if they have the love of Christ glowing in their bosoms, and
are looking forward to the same heaven as their eternal home,
they may have the sweetest and most intelligent communion
together, and a unity the most wonder
ful."—Testimonies,
Vol.
4, p. 65.
Can a man love God and hate his brother? 1 John
4:20.
THINK IT THROUGH
Discuss what would happen in your church if all of
the members turned Worn their differences and applied
the principle of love.
"Satan well knows that success can
only attend order and harmonious ac-
tion.
He
well knows that everything
connected with heaven is in perfect
order, that subjection and perfect dis-
cipline mark the movements of the
angelic host. . . . These devoted souls
consider it a virtue to boast of their
freedom to think and act independ-
ently. They will not• take any man's
say-so. They are amenable to no man.
I was shown that it is Satan's special
work to lead men to feel that it is God's
order for them to strike out for them-
selves and choose their own course in-
dependent of their brethren."—"Testi-
monies to Ministers," page 29.
THE SECOND MILE:
"Testimonies," Vol. 1; pp. 323-325.
39
Church Relations
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Tuesday
January 26
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also
which shall believe on Me through their word; that they
all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in
Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world
may believe that Thou bast sent Me."
How thoughtful of Jesus to remember His disciples in every
generation. It was His wish, and it still is, that we might be
"one" as He and His Father are one. The
SDA Bible Commen-
tary,
on John 17:21, makes this comment: "There would be
diversities of gifts (1 Cor. 12), but there was to be unity of
spirit, objectives, and beliefs. There were to be no strivings
for supremacy such as had recently plagued the Twelve (Luke
22:24-30). The unity springing from the blended lives of
Christians would impress the world of the divine origin of the
Christian church."
What does it mean to become "one"? Do I have to sur-
render my individuality or live as another person? Not at all.
We have learned that God has created each of us to be a dif-
ferent and distinct person. See Lesson 3, Part 1;
Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 484;
Education,
page 17;
Counsels on Health,
pages
243, 244. God is concerned that we be "one" in mind, purpose,
and character, but not in person. See
The Ministry of Healing,
page 422 ; Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1148. Perhaps
mind
means to present an honest,
united front which would convince the world that Christ is the
only Saviour of mankind;
purpose,
to proclaim and clarify
the plan whereby fallen men may become the sons of God;
character,
to reveal the "building blocks" essential for every
man in his quest to become like God and depart from law-
lessness and rebellion. All this must be in cooperation with the
Godhead, and yet within the framework of our own person-
alities. What freedom! A freedom of heavenly origin that we
are allowed to experience while we remain in this world.
Why is unity so important? John 17:21.
What do you think is meant by the statement: "They
are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in
person"?—"The Ministry of Healing," page 422.
Part 3
JESUS' PRAYER
John 17:20, 21
LESSON 5
"What kind of unity is spoken of in
these words [John 17:20, 21]?—Unity
in diversity. Our minds do not all run
in the same channel, and we have not
all been given the same work. God has
given to every man his work according
to his several ability. There are differ-
ent kinds of work to be done, and
workers of varied capabilities are
needed. If our hearts are humble, if
we have learned in the school of Christ
to be meek and lowly, we may all
press together in the narrow path
marked out for us."—Ellen G. White
Comments, "SDA Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 5, p. 1148.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Ministry of Healing," pages 409-426.
40
Church Relations
LESSON 5
Part 4
RESPONDING TO
LEADERSHIP
1 Thess. 5:12, 13
❑
Wednesday
January 27
"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which
labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and
admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love
for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves."
As members of the church who were baptized in the name
of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we have the
solemn but joyful responsibility of proclaiming the "good
news" to all mankind.
But another spot within the church that needs our atten-
tion is that area dealing with our attitude toward church lead-
ers. In a time of self-proclaimed "freedom," a time of rebel-
lion, it is not unusual to hear church members debating over
the rightness or wrongness of a decision made by the local
church board. Or some may question the reason for one mem-
ber's being placed in leadership when someone else "more
capable" was omitted or rejected. Rather than sitting in judg-
ment, we are asked to pray for and encourage our church
leaders and show an active concern in the operation of the
church. 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1; 2 Cor. 7:6, 7, 13.
Perhaps we can learn a vital lesson of respect for church
leaders from David, who refused to touch "the Lord's an-
nointed" when he could have taken the life of Saul, his enemy.
1 Sam. 26:5-25;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 668-671. Do
we have what we consider weak leaders in church office today?
Do we wonder why they are there? Let us remember that God
is still at the helm of His church. 1 Cor. 12:28; Acts 5:39. Let
us, then, do our work well, respect and reverence our church
leaders (1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:7, 17), and pray that we may
develop in our lives the fruits of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22, 23;
2 Peter 1:5-8. See also Lesson 2.
How well are we to know our church leaders?
THINK IT THROUGH
Discuss: It is human to criticize, but it is godly to work
toward unity.
"There have ever been in the church
those who are constantly inclined
toward individual independence. They
seem unable to realize that indepen-
dence of spirit is liable to lead the
human agent to have too much confi-
dence in himself and to trust in his
own judgment rather than to respect
the counsel and highly esteem the judg-
ment of his brethren, especially of those
in the offices that God has appointed
for the leadership of His people. God
has invested His church with special
authority and power which no one can
be justified in disregarding and despis-
ing, for he who does this despises the
voice of God."—"The Acts of the Apos-
tles," pages 163, 164.
THE SECOND MILE:
"Gospel Workers," pages 483-497.
6-A1QT71
41
Church Relations
LESSON 5
El Thursday
January 28
Part 5
"But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Ye know
RIGHT KIND that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over
OF LEADER them, and they that are great exercise authority upon
them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever
will be great among you, let him be your minister; and
whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your
servant: even as the Son of man came not to be minis-
tered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom
Matt. 20:25-28 for many."
"In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exempli-
fication of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God.
God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by
upholding all things, He is constantly ministering for others.
. . . This ideal of ministry God has committed to His Son.
Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by His
example He might teach what it means to minister. His whole
life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to
all. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed
how we are to obey it.
"Again and again Jesus had tried to establish this principle
among His disciples. When James and John made their request
for pre-eminence, He had said, 'Whosoever will be great among
you, let him be your minister.' Matt. 20:26. In My kingdom
the principle of preference and supremacy has no place. The
only greatness is the greatness of humility. The only distinction
is found in devotion to the service of others."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 649, 650.
This description of leadership is quite foreign to our world.
Worldly leaders must rule by power and force, but church
leaders are to minister to others. They are "servants," looking
for ways to help and please their fellowmen. James 1:27.
The qualifications for church leaders are carefully revealed.
1 Tim. 3:1-10; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:2. Above all, church
leaders must be responsible and trustworthy, growing in the
Christian graces. Acts 20:28. See also Lesson
2.
THINK IT THROUGH
Contrast church leaders and the leaders of the world.
"Lucifer desired God's power, but the same. Thus alienation, discord, and
not His character. He sought for him-
strife will be inevitable."—"The Desire
self the highest place, and every being of Ages," pages 435, 436.
who is actuated by his spirit will do
THE SECOND MILE:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 642-651.
42
Church Relations
LESSON 5
❑
Friday
January
29
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the
temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat
their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, prais-
ing God, and having favor with all the people. And the
Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
What is the secret of a spiritual revival in God's church?
Could it be money or public relations or energetic leadership?
All of these are important. But the Scripture says, "And they,
continuing daily with
one accord . . . ,
did eat their meat with
gladness and
singleness
of heart." What is the meaning of "one
accord"? In Acts 1:14 and 2:46 it means "persevered with one
mind." Note the following comment: "What a contrast to the
competitive spirit shown at the time of the Last Supper (Luke
22:24). How different in its calm, solemn joy was this period
of waiting. Here is the commencement of the 'accord' that bore
such dynamic results a few days later (Acts 2:1,
41)."—SDA
Bible Commentary,
on Acts 1:14.
Have the requirements changed today? Isn't the need the
same? We are told, "The lapse of time has wrought no change
in Christ's parting promise to send the Holy Spirit as His rep-
resentative. It is not because of any restriction on the part of
God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to
men. If the fulfillment of the promise is not seen as it might
be, it is because the promise is not appreciated as it should
be. If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 50.
Action that is motivated by men is man-sized, but action
that is stimulated by God cannot be measured by human cal-
culations. Zech. 4:6. Perhaps we need to comprehend more
fully the word "wait," and in the meantime personally and
collectively invite the Spirit to take up residence in our church.
What two words testify to the disciples' unity of spirit?
Part 6
UNITY BRINGS
ACTION
Acts 2:46, 47
THINK IT THROUGH
How do we go about inviting the Holy Spirit? Do we
demand that He come, or do we surrender our lives to
Him as an invitation for a visit?
"Wherever the need of the Holy
Spirit is a matter little thought of, there
is seen spiritual drought, spiritual dark-
ness, spiritual declension and death.
Whenever minor matters occupy the
attention, the divine power which is
necessary for the growth and prosper-
ity of the church, and which would
bring all other blessings in its train, is
lacking, though offered in infinite plen-
titude."—"The Acts of the Apostles,"
page 50.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 47-56.
43
Church Relations
LESSON 5
January 30
Part 7
0
SUMMARY QUESTIONS 0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
The apostle Paul likens the church to a
with many
2.
Circle the correct word: (Love; Money; Force) can settle man's problems
in the church and help bring unity.
3.
"Oneness" means that we are one in
and
, but not in
4.
What did David refuse to do when he had an opportunity?
1 Sam. 26:9.
5.
Real church leaders will be "
," not authoritarian tyrants
who resort to force.
6.
Multiple choice: The Holy Spirit comes only:
(a)
when we submit our
lives to Him and show a willingness to have Him in our presence;
(b)
when
we order Him to come;
(c)
when we seem indifferent and "wait."
(d)
None
of the answers are correct.
.1.! (9) sprenns (5) !palupuu s
‘
pioa alp 4su!u2e puvti siq
ipaoj ipp.ns (q) ! uoszad `aalourelp `asoclind `puul (E) !amyl (3) f siactuniu 'Apog (I) :slantsuy
44
LESSON 6
February 6
RELATIONSHIP OF CHURCH MEMBERS
TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES
"Then saith He unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are
Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matt. 22:21.
All authority derives from God. He re-
moves kings and sets up kings. Since God
is the supreme authority, His claims remain
superior. When rulers yield to a power other
than the divine, "God's Word must be rec-
ognized as above all human legislation."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 69. The
first allegiance is to God. There are two
distinct areas of obligation, civil and reli-
gious. The two should remain separate so
that each individual may properly fulfill
his duties in each area.
A man derives security and protection
from the state. Without the state and its
laws life would be ruled by the law of the
jungle, and the weaker would be exploited.
It is the Christian's duty to help the state
preserve the world from chaos. The child
of God will pray for all rulers.
A Christian is a citizen of heaven.
Though living in an alien land and obeying
its laws, the heavenly citizen's way of life
and influence will make heaven attractive
and desirable •to his neighbors.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
All Power Comes From God
Rom. 13:1, 2
2.
Two Worlds: Civil and Spiritual
Matt. 22:21
3.
Relation of Civil Authorities
to God
Jer. 27:4, 5
4.
Relation of a Christian to
Civil Authorities
1 Tim. 2:1, 2
5.
A Christian's Civic Duties
Titus 3:1, 2
6.
A Christian's Citizenship
Eph. 2:19
45
Relationship of Church Members to Civil Authorities
❑
Sunday
LESSON 6
January 31
THINK IT THROUGH
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For
there is no power but of God: the powers that be are
ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the
power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that re-
sist shall receive to themselves damnation."
Nero was the emperor who ordered Paul's execution, yet
Paul counsels obedience to civil power. Paul argues for gov-
ernment and order, not for the divine right of kings or any
special form of government. He opposes all lawlessness and
disorder. He emphasizes that Christianity and good citizenship
go hand in hand. God has ordained human government and
law. Without them there would be no order, security, or
progress among men.
What action of the Christian will win the approval of
governing powers? Rom. 13:3, last part.
Pharaoh was placed on the throne by God that through
him the power of God could be revealed. Pharaoh would be
used to declare the name and glory and power of God to all
the earth. Ex. 9:16. He could do this willingly or unwillingly.
Willingly he would be the hero, unwillingly the villian. Nebu-
chadnezzar was humbled before he was willing to declare the
power and glory of God. See Daniel 4. Pharaoh was given
every opportunity to serve God and so glorify the name of
God, but he would not yield. He hardened his heart.
Where do authorities, good and bad, receive power
to govern? Rom. 13:1.
Where did Jesus say Pilate received his power? John
19:10, 11.
Who is in control of earthly affairs? Ps. 22:28; 75:6, 7.
If all power comes from God, why are there persecut-
ing rulers? Why is there ever a conflict between the au-
thorities and God?
How can I maintain allegiance to God and to civil
authority if they should be in conflict?
Part 1
ALL POWER COMES
FROM GOD
Rom. 13:1, 2
"We are to recognize human govern-
ment as an ordinance of divine ap-
pointment, and teach obedience to it
as a sacred duty, within its legitimate
sphere. But when its claims conflict
with the claims of God, we must obey
God rather than men."—"The Acts of
the Apostles," page 69.
THE SECOND MILE:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," page 719, paragraph 3.
46
Relationship of Church Members to Civil Authorities
❑
Monday
LESSON 6
February 1
Part 2
TWO WORLDS:
CIVIL AND
SPIRITUAL
Matt. 22:21
"Then saith He unto them, Render therefore unto
Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the
things that are God's."
With a simple illustration Christ showed the duties we
should render to both civil and religious authorities. This illus-
tration could not be misunderstood. Caesar had his part to
perform, and within his area he was in command. The ques-
tioners of Jesus desired to be released from their responsibility
to Caesar. By His reply Christ emphasized their duty to civil
government. At the same time He made it clear that there was
an allegiance to God that commanded obedience.
Who is declared to be the ruler of the heathen na-
tions? Ps. 47:7, 8.
"Amidst the strife and tumult of nations He that sitteth
above the cherubim still guides the affairs of this earth."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 536.
The power to rule the material world is given state authori-
ties by God. Rom. 13:1. God has reserved to Himself final
allegiance. Political and civil responsibilities are given by Him
through the agencies He has ordained for that purpose. The
state should not ask anything from a Christian that he cannot
give within the terms of his commitment to God. The state
should recognize the higher obligation.
What is the condition of a nation that acknowledges
God as Lord? Ps. 33:12.
What is the fate of a nation that ignores God? Isa.
60:12.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is it essential that civil and religious authority
be separate?
"He [Christ] declared that since they
were living under the protection of the
Roman power, they should render to
that power the support it claimed, so
long as this did not conflict with a
higher duty. But while peaceably sub-
ject to the laws of the land, they should
at all times give their first allegiance to
God."—"The Desire of Ages," page 602.
"The world is not without a ruler.
The program of coming events is in the
hands of the Lord. The Majesty of
heaven has the destiny of nations, as
well as the concerns of His church, in
His own charge."—"Testimonies," Vol.
5, p. 753.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Desire of Ages,' ' pages 601-603.
47
Relationship of Church Members to Civil Authorities
❑
Tuesday
LESSON 6
February 2
Part 3
RELATION OF
CIVIL AUTHORITIES
TO GOD
Jer. 27:4, 5
"Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Thus
shall ye say unto your masters; I have made the earth,
the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by My
great power and by My outstretched arm, and have
given it unto whom it seemed meet unto Me."
Divine power overrules in the affairs of governments. Dan.
2:21.
The state is an instrument in the hand of God. It can be
used to preserve the world from chaos. The officer of the state
is doing God's will when he promotes law and order and makes
it possible for men to live harmoniously together. No law-abid-
ing citizen need fear a government that promotes peace and
encourages well doing. Rom. 13:3.
What explanation did Daniel give for the humilia-
tion of Nebuchadnezzar? Dan. 5:20, 21. See also Dan.
4:30, 31.
What does God require of a ruler? 2 Sam. 23:3, 4;
2 Chron. 19:6, 7.
THINK IT THROUGH
Some of the best-loved rulers have been those who realized
their dependence on God. For example, David was honored by
Israel when he walked humbly before God; but when he be-
came self-indulgent, he no longer held the love of his people
and was beset by opposition and rebellion.
What are the characteristics of a government that ful-
fills God's plan?
"Should representative men keep the
way of the Lord, they would point men
to a high and holy standard. Those in
positions of trust would be strictly
temperate. Magistrates, senators, and
judges would have a clear understand-
ing, and their judgment would be
sound and unperverted. The fear of the
Lord would ever be before them, and
they would depend upon a higher wis-
dom than their own. The heavenly
Teacher would make them wise in
counsel, and'strong to work steadfastly
in opposition`to all wrong, and to ad-
vance that which is right and just and
true. The Word of God would be their
guide, and all oppression would be
discarded. Lawmakers and administra-
tors would abide by every good and
just law, ever teaching the way of the
Lord to do justice and judgment. God
is the head of all good and just gov-
ernments and laws."—"Temperance,"
page 48.
THE
SECOND MILE: "Temperance," pages 46, 47.
48
Relationship of Church Members to Civil Authorities
❑
Wednesday
LESSON 6
February 3
Part 4
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
RELATION OF A prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for
CHRISTIAN TO all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that
CIVIL AUTHORITIES we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
1 Tim. 2:1, 2 and honesty."
The church is urged to pray for certain definite things.
The Christian citizen's prayer for his country is for a life that
is tranquil and undisturbed, for a time of peace, free from war,
free from rebellion, free from anything which would disturb
the peace of the realm.
Paul admonished Christians to pray for non-Christian rulers,
some of whom were enemies of the church. Even in times of
bitterest persecution the Church brought her' persecutors before
the throne of grace.
Why does the Christian recognize no man as an
enemy? Rom. 13:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
"No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not
filled with love for God and his fellowmen is not a true disciple
of Christ."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 318.
How is a Christian to relate himself to the laws of the
land? 1 Peter 2:13, 14; Eccl. 8:2.
"It is not our work to attack individuals or institutions. We
should exercise great care lest we be understood as putting
ourselves in opposition to the civil authorities."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 394.
Why should a child of God pray for a ruler who is
determined to do the work of Satan?
"Except
where principle would be ishment, but because of the precept and
violated the Christian is to cooperate
example of his Lord while on earth.
heartily with the written and unwritten
Jesus complied with civil regulations,
laws of the society in which he lives.
even submitting to injustice rather than
. . . The Christian will not use force
rebel against established authority."
against established authority. . . .
—"SDA Bible Commentary," on 1 Peter
"The Christian is to discharge his 2:13.
civic obligations not from fear of pun-
THE
SECOND MILE: "Testimonies," Vol. 6, pp. 394-397.
49
7-A1QT71
Relationship of Church Members to Civil Authorities
❑
Thursday
LESSON 6
February 4
Part 5
A CHRISTIAN'S
CIVIC DUTIES
Titus 3:1, 2
"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and
powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good
work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but
gentle, showing all meekness unto all men."
The New Testament never advocates anarchy. Life should
be an ordered business; the state is appointed to provide and
maintain that order. Submission to duly constituted authority
and law is required of the good citizen. Rom. 13:5.
Cooperation, a voice in the ruling, is a part of our duty.
Participation by vote, by the payment of taxes, and by service
are part of our Christian obligation.
Why should a Christian pay taxes to the state? Rom.
13:6, 7.
Every citizen is responsible for bearing his share of the ex-
pense for the common good.
In what way will the participation of Christians benefit
government? Matt. 5:13.
"God has declared to us, 'Ye are the salt of the earth.' The
preserving influence that we may exert in the world, is be-
stowed upon us by the Lord."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4, p. 1164.
How did Nebuchadnezzar and Darius react when the
Hebrew captives obeyed God rather than their com-
mands? Daniel 3; 6. (Notice particularly their final re-
actions. Dan. 3:28-30; 6:25-27.)
THINK IT THROUGH
What .are we doing to bring the message of a soon-
coming Saviour to world leaders?
"In general, rulers are not to be
dreaded except when wrong is done.
In actuality, of course, not all rulers be-
long to this class, for many of them have
persecuted the good; for example, Nero,
the Roman emperor at the time Paul
wrote this epistle [Romans], who was
later responsible for Paul's martyrdom.
Nevertheless, it is generally true that
those who are virtuous have nothing to
fear from civil authorities. Governments
as such are not a terror to good works.
On the contrary, they exist for a benefi-
cent purpose, and generally speaking
it is to the Christian's advantage to sub-
mit to their requirements."—"SDA Bible
Commentary," on Rom. 13:3.
THE SECOND MILE: "Evangelism," page 173; "Patriarchs and Prophets," page 311.
50
Relationship of Church Members to Civil Authorities
❑
Friday
LESSON 6
February 5
Part 6
A CHRISTIAN'S
CITIZENSHIP
Eph. 2:19
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and for-
eigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the
household of God."
Where is our true citizenship? Phil. 3:20.
THINK IT THROUGH
"The Christian needs a constant awareness of the fact that
he is a citizen of heaven. Attachment to one's country leads
him to be loyal to it. Wherever he may be living he will con-
duct himself in a way that will honor the good name of his
country. Keeping in mind the kind of life we expect to live in
heaven, serves to guide us in our life on earth."—SDA
Bible
Commentary,
on Phil. 3 :20.
As far as this world is concerned, how should a Chris-
tian regard himself? Heb. 11:13.
The Christian should ever remember that he is but a pil-
grim on earth. While in this world he will endeavor to leave
the best impression with his neighbors for heaven, his home-
land. Citizenship in one country does not release one from
responsibility in the country in which he resides. Rather, as an
alien he expects to be more closely watched. So the citizen of
heaven can expect the close scrutiny of the world to see what
his belief does for him.
How could God accept, as a citizen of heaven, one
who spurned law and authority in the world?
How can my way of life reveal that I am a citizen of
heaven?
"The Christian's life will testify that
he is governed by other laws than those
which the world obeys—laws of a
higher order than those that control the
lovers of the world. The will of God,
our Creator, is to be made manifest in
us, not only in the name we bear, but
in our life of self-denial. We are to give
evidence that we are influenced and
controlled by unselfish principles. All
our purposes and pursuits should stand
in distinct contrast to the selfishness of
the world."—"Welfare Ministry," page
296.
THE SECOND MILE: "Gospel Workers," pages 393-396.
51
Relationship of Church Members to Civil Authorities
February 6
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
When a person resists the civil power, whom is he really resisting)
2.
True or False: Christ examined a Roman coin and declared that this
proved that Caesar had the principal claim on the allegiance of the Jews.
3.
Why did God humble Nebuchadnezzar)
4.
True or False: Paul urged that prayers be offered for all rulers, unless they
were ungodly men
5.
Complete: "Put them in mind to be
and powers, to
magistrates."
to principalities
6.
Complete: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and
but
with the saints, and of the household of God."
•
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Atop; `siau2pioj (9) !Aaqo `pa(cins (s) !aqua
(1
7
)
!
appd (c) !aslvd (z) !po9 (I) : saanisuy
52
LESSON 7
ABOUT FRIENDS AND RECREATION
7
"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend
that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov. 18:24.
Friendships between Christians hold lim-
itless possibilities for spiritual development.
"Then they that feared the Lord spake
often one to another: and the Lord heark-
ened, and heard it, and a book of remem-
brance was written." Mal. 3:16. Such
friends build faith, strengthen loyalties,
brighten hope, encourage confidence.
But at the same time friendships may
lead to disaster. Outside of the home noth-
ing affects our lives more than the com-
panionship we seek. "Know ye not that the
friendship of the world is enmity with
God? whosoever therefore will be a friend
of the world is the enemy of God." James
4:4.
Inextricably involved with our friend-
ships are the problems of Christian recrea-
tion. In an age of increasing leisure, intelli-
gent insights are needed to ensure that
nothing erodes or destroys our faith in God.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
You Can't Escape People
John 17:15-17
2.
Friends and Friendliness
1 Sam. 18:1-3
3.
Keep the Initiative
1 Cor. 13:1-3
4.
Christians Should Have Fun
John 2:1, 2, 11
5.
Need for Relaxation
Mark 6:30-32
6.
Guide and Guidelines
1 Peter 2:9
53
About Friends and Recreation
LESSON 7
Part 1
YOU CAN'T
ESCAPE PEOPLE
John 17:15-17
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Sunday
February 7
"I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the
world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth."
"Religion should dictate and guide you in all your pursuits,
and should hold absolute control over your affections. If you
yield yourselves unreservedly into the hands of Christ, making
His power your strength, then will your moral vision be clear
to discern quality of character that you may not be deceived
by appearances and make great mistakes in your friendship.
Your moral power must be keen and sensitive, that it may
bear severe tests and not be marred. Your integrity of soul
should be so firm that vanity, display, or flattery will not move
you."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 47.
What did Christ mean by the "world"? See 1 John 5:19.
God never intended that Christians should be isolated in a
spiritual enclave. They are to be "in" but not "of." Matt.
5:13-16.
In a world of obvious iniquity the Christian may escape
the taint of association with sin and sinners. 1 John 2:15-17.
Early Christianity experienced a sudden flush of monasticism.
Even today many seek complete isolation from worldly in-
fluences.
Does isolation offer a satisfactory solution to contami-
nation from sin? Matt. 15:18-20.
What about my "world"? What is the nature of the
people who inhabit it? Am I being kept from the evil that
is in the world? Or is it diminishing my faith in Christ?
"It is natural to seek companionship.
Everyone will find companions or make
them. And just in proportion to the
strength of the friendship, will be the
amount of influence which friends will
exert over one another for good or for
evil. All will have associates, and will
influence and be influenced in their
turn."—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, p. 587.
"As disciples of Christ we shall not
mingle with the world from a mere love
of pleasure, to unite with them in folly.
Such associations can result only in
harm. We should never give sanction to
sin by our words or
our
deeds, our si-
lence or our presence. . . . But those
who try to preserve their religion by
hiding it within stone walls lose pre-
cious opportunities of doing good.
Through the social relations, Christian-
ity comes in contact with the world.
Everyone who has received the divine
illumination is to brighten the pathway
of those who know not the Light of
life."—"Messages to Young People,"
page 403.
THE SECOND
MILE: "Testimonies," Vol. 2, pp. 491-495.
54
About Friends and Recreation
LESSON 7
❑
Monday
February 8
Part 2
"And it came
to pass, when he had made an end of
FRIENDS AND speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit
FRIENDLINESS with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his
own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him
go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan
and David made a covenant, because he loved him as
1 Sam. 18:1-3
his own soul."
Do not confuse friendship with friendliness. A warm, friendly
attitude to all is part of Christian grace. Christ had compas-
sion on the multitude. Matt. 15:32. He moved with friendliness
and soul-seeking love among sinners and publicans. But when
it comes to deep associations, lasting friendships, we cannot
show too much care.
Friendship is based on a measure of common interest, time
spent in communion and communication, mutual attraction
and choice.
How did Ruth express the need for deep friendships
to have a spiritual basis? Ruth 1:16-18.
Is it possible to maintain a deep friendship with a
non-Christian without risk? Amos 3:3.
How does Christ speak of His choice of friends? John
15:14-16.
THINK IT THROUGH
How do I react to Christians of other faiths? to worldly
people? Do I show compassion and friendliness, or do
I have the "insider-outsider" attitude?
"You should get rid of your cold,
tion should be exercised lest an inti-
frozen formality as soon as possible. macy be contracted with one whose
You need to cultivate feelings of tender-
example it would not be safe to imi-
ness and friendliness in your everyday
tate; for the effect of such an intimacy
life. You should exhibit true courtesy is to lead away from God, from devo-
and Christian politeness. The heart that
tion, and the love of the truth. It is
really loves Jesus loves those for whom
positively dangerous for you to be inti-
He died. Just as truly as the needle
mate with friends who have not a reli-
points to the pole, so will the true fol-
gious experience. If . . . you . . . value
lower of Christ, with a spirit of earnest
your soul's salvation, you will not
labor, seek to save souls for whom
choose as your . . . intimate triends
Christ has given His life."—"Testimo- those who do not maintain a serious
nies," Vol. 3, p. 466.
regard for religious things."—"Ibid.,"
"In forming friendship, great cau-
p. 42.
THE SECOND
MILE:
"Messages to Young People," pages 403-406.
55
About Friends and Recreation
LESSON 7
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Wednesday
February 10
There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the
mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called,
and His disciples, to the marriage."
"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Gali-
lee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples
believed on Him."
"We should never give to the world the false impression
that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are
fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and
shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever His spirit
reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there
is a calm, holy trust in
God."—Messages to Young People,
page 404.
Why do most non-Christians look upon Christianity as
a life of deprivation and negation? 1 Cor. 2:12-14.
Are there some social activities in which a Christian may
not indulge? Social activities with our business associates per-
haps? Where self-gratification is the goal? Where the love of
the world makes it impossible for the Christian to let his light
shine? Eccl. 11:9, 10; 12:1.
What kind of social situations must I avoid? Where
may I safely go to make friends for Christ?
Part 4
CHRISTIANS
SHOULD
HAVE FUN
John 2:1, 2, 11
"Individually we are connected with
"Some are closing their probation;
our fellowmen, a part of God's great and is it well with them? have they ob-
whole, and we stand under mutual ob-
tained a fitness for the future life? Will
ligations. No man can be independent not their record show wasted opportu-
of his fellowmen; for the well-being of
nities, neglected privileges, a life of
each affects others. It is God's purpose
selfishness and worldliness that has
that each shall feel himself necessary
borne no fruit to the glory of God? And
to others' welfare, and seek to promote how much of the work which the Mas-
their happiness."—"Christ's Object Les-
ter has left for us to do has been left
sons," page 339.
undone?"—"Testimonies," Vol. 5, p. 18.
THE SECOND MILE:
"The Desire of Ages,' ' pages 144-153.
57
About Friends and Recreation
LESSON 7
Part 5
NEED FOR
RELAXATION
Mark 6:30-32
❑
Thursday
February II
"And the apostles gathered themselves together unto
Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done,
and what they had taught. And He said unto them, Come
ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile:
for there were many coming and going, and they had no
leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert
place by ship privately."
"Recreation is needful to those who are engaged in physical
labor and is still more essential for those whose labor is prin-
cipally mental."—The
Adventist Home,
page 494.
Finding a balance between relaxation, recreation, and work
presents difficulty. Only forty hours a week is needed for many
to earn their living. Relaxation, rest, leisure, describe a pas-
sive state. Recreation shows how we use our time in activity
to rebuild our energies both physical and mental.
What was it that brought upon the disciples the need
for rest? Mark 6:30, 31.
Do you think this was the only time Jesus offered
them opportunity of recreation? What did they lack?
Verse 31.
Could our example in recreation be harmless to us
but hurtful to the spiritual experience of others? What
must we remember in our search for recreation? Rom.
14:7.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are my hobbies, my sports, my entertainments all of
a nature that heaven can approve? Do they banish Christ
from my mind? What criteria would I list for my own per-
sonal guidance and that of my family?
"Exercise in the open air for those
whose employment has been within-
doors and sendentary will be beneficial
to health. All who can, should feel it a
duty to pursue this course. Nothing will
be lost, but much gained. They can re-
turn to their occupations with new life
and new courage to engage in their
labor with zeal, and they are better
prepared to resist disease."—"Testimo-
nies," Vol. 1, p. 515.
THE SECOND MILE: "Messages to Young
58
"The true Christian will not desire to
enter any place of amusement or en-
gage in any diversion upon which he
cannot ask the blessing of God. He will
not be found at the theater, the billiard
hall, or the bowling saloon. He will not
unite with the gay waltzers, or in-
dulge in any other betwitching plea-
sure that will banish Christ from the
mind."—"Messages to Young People,"
page 398.
People," pages 385-391.
About Friends and Recreation
LESSON 7
❑
Friday
February
/2
Part 6
"Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an
GUIDE AND holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth
GUIDELINES the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness
1 Peter 2:9
into His marvelous light."
Ellen G. White says, "Exercise in the open
air."—Messages
to Young People,
page 393. "Let several families living in a
city or village unite and leave the occupations which have
taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion
into the country."—Page 392. How shall we relate counsel
such as this to modern urban societies? Would a backyard
barbecue or a block party be a satisfactory substitute?
A spiritual work of re-creation stems from the sacrifice on
the cross. Just as this changes our spiritual lives, physical
recreation changes our physical lives. The spiritual is linked
with the physical. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
What goal should recreation have? Many things that
are not evil in themselves do have the potential of abuse.
How should the Christian relate to such sources of enter-
tainment as books, radio, television, films, music? When
are they amusement? When recreation? Is there a pos-
sibility that sports like skiing, water-skiing, tennis, for
example, may be a spiritual pitfall? How? What about
spectator sports?
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I more interested in the excitement of recreation
than its true purpose? Could it be that escapism is my
motive for watching television or indulging in entertain-
ments?
Consider the recreation of heaven.
new truths to comprehend, fresh objects
"There will be music there, and song,
to call forth the powers of body and
such music and song as, save in the
mind and soul.
visions of God, no mortal ear has heard
"All the treasures of the universe will
or mind conceived. . . .
be open to the study of God's children.
"There every power will be devel-
With unutterable delight we shall enter
oped, every capability increased. The
grandest enterprises will be carried for-
ward, the loftiest aspirations will be
reached, the highest ambitions realized.
gained through ages upon ages spent
into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen
beings. We shall share the treasures
in contemplation of God's handiwork."
—"Education," page 307.
And still there will arise new heights
to surmount, new wonders to admire,
THE SECOND MILE: "Education" pages 301-309.
59
About Friends and Recreation
LESSON 7
February 13
Part 7
O
SUMMARY QUESTIONS
O
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
What does the Bible mean by the "world"? (Think out your own answer.)
We are to be
the world, not
the world.
2.
True or False : A Christian should form no close association with non-
Christians
3.
Complete "
, sanctified by the grace of Christ,
must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour."—Messages
to Young Peo-
ple,
page 403.
4.
Cite one example of how Jesus used social activity to save souls
5.
Complete : "He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert
place and
a while: for there were many coming and going, and
they had no
so much as to eat."
6.
List the four descriptions of God's people given in 1 Peter 2:9.
•
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(E)
snaureri 'ettlauw
'AtatillEN `snatiaauz (t) taaAtod moos (E) :asiud (E) :Jo 'ut (1) :siantsuy
60
LESSON 8
WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?
"And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face
of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds
of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after
Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us." Acts 17:25, 27.
Modern man avoids personal involve-
ment with others. People make a studied
point to ignore the existence of others.
Often people in neighboring apartments
will not even recognize those who live next
door when they pass in the hall.
To salve our consciences we give to
charity when disaster strikes. Distant trage-
dies may affect more than the gnawing
loneliness next door—and the risk of per-
sonal involvement is remote.
Yet this is not the way for the Chris-
tian. Humanity is one. It is sin that puts
up walls of separation. Prejudice, pride,
class consciousness, selfishness, indifference
enlarge the gulf between neighbors, com-
munities, and nations. A simple act of con-
cern, of friendship, will span the indiffer-
ence gap and unite seemingly diverse beings
in Christ.
Our responsibility is clear. "Christ tears
away the wall of partition, the dividing
prejudice of nationality, and teaches a love
for all the human family."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 823.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
One God, One Race, One Need
Rom. 3:9, 22, 23
2.
Concern—The Christian
Essential
Luke 10:30-33
3.
The Responsibility of Privilege
Deut. 10:17-19
4.
What Can I Do?
Rom. 10:13-15
5.
Money, Material, Self
2 Cor. 8:2, 3, 5
6.
Love, the Motive
John 15:12, 13
61
Who Is My Neighbor?
LESSON 8
❑
Sunday
February 14
Part 1
"What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise:
ONE GOD, ONE for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that
RACE, ONE NEED they are all under sin."
"For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and
Rom. 3:9, 22, 23 come short of the glory of God."
The Christian teaching that all men are. equal before God
placed Christian reformers in the forefront of the battle against
slavery and race prejudice. We dare not consider another in-
ferior to ourselves. Otherwise our feelings of superiority may
lead to spiritual complacency.
God sees men as individuals as well as en masse. Acts
17:24-26. He is one God; we are one creation. Gen. 1:26, 27.
What is the royal law? How do we break this law?
James 2:8, 9.
Why is the word "royal" applied to this particular
command?
A king or ruler must have impartiality toward his subjects.
God's love is impartial; so should ours be.
What did Jesus say about our attitude to those who
hate us? Matt. 5:43-45.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is there any justification for me to despise or hate
anyone—within the church, or without?
"All men are of one family by crea-
tion, and all are one through redemp-
tion. Christ came to demolish every
wall of partition, to throw open every
compartment of the temple courts, that
every soul may have free access to
God. His love is so broad, so deep, so
full, that it penetrates everywhere. It
lifts out of Satan's influence those who
have been deluded by his deceptions,
and places them within reach of the
throne of God. . . . In Christ there
is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor
THE
SECOND MILE: "Prophets and Kings,
62
free."—"Prophets and Kings," page
370.
"Men may have both hereditary and
cultivated prejudices, but when the love
of Jesus fills the heart, and they become
one with Christ, they will have the
same spirit that He had. If a colored
brother sits by their side, they will not
be offended or despise him. They are
journeying to the same heaven, and
will be seated at the same table to eat
bread in the kingdom of God."—"The
Southern Work," page 14.
" pages 367-378.
❑
Monday
February 15
Part 2
"And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down
CONCERN—THE from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which
CHRISTIAN stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and de-
ESSENTIAL parted, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came
down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he
passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when
he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed
by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he
journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he
Luke 10:30-33 had compassion on him."
"He [the Samaritan] did not question whether the stranger
was a Jew or a Gentile. If a Jew, the Samaritan well knew
that, were their condition reversed, the man would spit in his
face, and pass him by with contempt. But he did not hesitate
on account of this. He did not consider that he himself might
be in danger of violence by tarrying in the place. It was enough
that there was before him a human being in need and suffer-
ing."—The Desire of Ages,
page 503.
God taught Peter a lesson through the vision of the sheet
full of differing animals. What was this lesson? Acts 10:34, 35.
Does this mean that all men are equally acceptable to God?
Christ showed His concern by dying—the Father by suffering
with the Son. How does the Christian show his concern?
Should all our good deeds be directed toward the
salvation of others? Can a Christian ever be completely
disinterested? 1 Cor. 9:19-23.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can the church maintain its separation from the
world and still meet such problems as the ghetto, unem-
ployment, hunger, poverty? •
Who Is My Neighbor?
LESSON 8
"At all times and in all places He
[Christ] manifested a loving interest in
men, and shed about Him the light of
a cheerful piety. All this was a rebuke
to the Pharisees. It showed that religion
does not consist in selfishness, and that
their morbid devotion to personal inter-
est was far from being true godliness."
—"The Desire of Ages," page 86.
"At Joppa, which was near Lydda,
there lived a woman named Dorcas,
whose good deeds had made her
greatly beloved. She was a worthy dis-
ciple of Jesus, and her life was filled
with acts of kindness. She knew who
needed comfortable clothing and who
needed sympathy, and she freely min-
istered to the poor and the sorrowful.
Her skillful fingers were more active
than her tongue."—"The Acts of the
Apostles," page 131.
THE SECOND
MILE: "The Desire of Ages,' ' pages 497-505.
63
Who Is
My
Neighbor?
LESSON 8
❑
Tuesday
February 16
Part 3
"For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of
THE RESPONSI-
lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which re-
BILITY OF gardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute
PRIVILEGE the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth
the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye
therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land
Deut. 10:17-19 of Egypt."
God's good-neighbor policy is all-inclusive. The people next
door, the folk in the next street, in the apartment complexes,
in the racial or language ghetto, across the sea—all are our
neighbors. Don't leave out your own relatives or fellow church
members.
Privilege carries responsibility. Responsibility includes all
of God's children. "In the human brotherhood it takes all
kinds of talents to make a perfect whole; and the church of
Christ is composed of men and women of varied talents, and
of all ranks and all classes. . . . There should be no depreciat-
ing of any part of God's great work, whether the agencies are
high or lowly. All have their part to act in diffusing light
in different
degrees."—Gospel Workers,
page 331.
What privilege is given God's people? Gal. 3:28, 29.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the responsibilities that come with this privilege
of being God's chosen people? Pure religion is included. James
1:27. We have a responsibility to live peaceably with all men
and to respect government. Rom. 13:1-7. We are to be servants
to all men. 1 Cor. 9:19. Do the underprivileged have respon-
sibilities before God?
This responsibility that comes with being a part of
the church of Christ—is it something that I am seeking to
avoid? How may I use my talents to reach my neighbors?
"The religion of Christ uplifts the re-
self-denial, the condescension, the in-
ceiver to a higher plane of thought and finite compassion of Him who was
action, while at the same time it pre-
highly exalted in heaven, puts to shame
sents the whole human race as alike human pride, self-esteem, and social
the objects of the love of God, being
caste. Pure, undefiled religion mani-
purchased by the sacrifice of His Son. At
fests its heaven-born principles in bring-
the feet of Jesus, the rich and the poor,
ing into oneness all who are sanctified
the learned and the ignorant, meet to-
through the truth. All meet as blood-
gether, with no thought of caste or bought souls, alike dependent upon
worldly preeminence. All earthly dis-
Him who has redeemed them to God."
tinctions are forgotten as we look upon —"Gospel Workers," page 330.
Him whom our sins have pierced. The
THE SECOND MILE: "Gospel Workers," pages 330-336.
64
Who Is My Neighbor?
LESSON 8
❑
Wednesday
February 17
Part 4
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord
WHAT CAN I DO? shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom
they have not believed? and how shall they believe in
Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they
hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach,
except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are
the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and
Rom. 10:13-15 bring glad tidings of good things!"
Deliverance for our friends and neighbors lies in the good
tidings God's people bear. To the members of the remnant
church bearing these tidings this includes a knowledge of Scrip-
ture. It means sending the message through every available
means. It means utilizing individual talents. It means letting
the witness of the church as a whole shine undimmed by the
wrong acts or wrong relationships of its members.
What name is given to the group that bears this mes-
sage of deliverance? Joel 2:32.
THINK IT THROUGH
Consider the setting of Joel 2:28-31. Peter applied this to
Pentecost. Acts 2:16-21. What evidence indicates that it still
remains to be completely realized in the end of time? Compare
Joel 2:28-32 and Matt. 24:29, 30.
Remember that you are part of a unit with a great
work to do. What does the Bible call that unit? 1 Cor.
12:20-27.
Have I let self diminish the effectiveness of the church's
witness in my community? Am I doing all I should to
utilize and increase the talents the Lord has given me?
"Christians
should not appeal to civil
tribunals to settle differences that may
arise among church members. Such dif-
ferences should be settled among them-
selves, or by the church, in harmony
with Christ's instruction. Even though
injustice may have been done, the fol-
lower of the meek and lowly Jesus will
suffer himself 'to be defrauded' rather
than open before the world the sins of
his brethren in the church."—"The Acts
of the Apostles," pages 305, 306.
God that widows and orphans, the
blind, the deaf, the lame, and persons
afflicted in a variety of ways, have
been placed in close Christian relation-
ship to His church; it is to prove His
people and develop their true char-
acter. Angels of God are watching to
see how we treat these persons who
need our sympathy, love, and disinter-
ested benevolence. This is God's test of
our character."—"Testimonies/' Vol. 3,
p. 511.
"I saw that it is in the providence of
THE SECOND MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 593-602.
65
Who Is
My
Neighbor?
LESSON 8
❑
Thursday
February 18
Part 5
"How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance
MONEY, of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the
MATERIAL,
riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear rec-
SELF ord, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of
themselves."
"And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave
their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of
2 Cor. 8:2, 3, 5 God."
Our good works have a definite effect on the salvation of
others. 1 Peter 2:12.
Note the personal involvement that Christ calls for in His
"inasmuch" admonition. Matt. 25:35-40. God needs our means,
our welfare centers and relief vans. He must have our hospitals,
our medical launches and mercy planes, but above all He needs
us—involved, committed. And just as much as He needs us to
finish His work, we also need this personal involvement.
What pleases God in the religion of His people? Isa.
58:6, 7.
THINK IT THROUGH
Note that this applies to a commandment-keeping people.
Verses 13, 14. Needs exist at home and abroad that would
overwhelm the resources of the church without God's help.
What did Paul say of the financial condition of the
churches in Macedonia? 2 Cor. 8:1, 2.
What was it that compensated for their material pov-
erty? Verse 5.
Is it easier for me to write a check than to visit a
lonely or sick neighbor? Should I be content with a
sedentary Christianity? Am I salving my conscience by
using my means when there should also be a total com-
mitment of myself?
"Christ tears away the wall of par-
tition, the dividing prejudice of nation-
ality, and teaches a love for all the
human family. He lifts men from the
narrow circle which their selfishness
prescribes; He abolishes all territorial
lines and artificial distinctions of so-
ciety. He makes no difference between
neighbors and strangers, friends and
enemies. He teaches us to look upon
the world as our field."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 823.
"He who drinks of the living water
becomes a fountain of life. The receiver
becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in
the soul is like a spring in the desert,
welling up to refresh all, and making
those who are ready to perish eager to
drink of the water of life."—"Ibid.,"
page 195.
every needy soul as our brother, and
THE SECOND MILE:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 341-345.
66
Who Is My Neighbor?
LESSON 8
❑
Friday
February
19
Part 6
"This is My commandment, That ye love one another,
LOVE, THE as I have loved you. Greater love bath no man than this,
MOTIVE that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:12, 13
For the Christian, right acts begin with love. Laying down
our lives is not alone dying in an act of bravery or martyrdom.
It includes a continuous offering of ourselves for the benefit
and salvation of others. This is what Christ did.
Love is not just a warm feeling. It includes benevolent acts
(James 1:27) ; seizing opportunity to do good to others (Gal.
6:10) ; loving those who hate us (Matt. 5:44-47). Love, then,
is Christ in action through us.
How may we increase this love? Where does it be-
gin? 1 John 4:17, 19.
Consider the Biblical description of love. 1 Cor. 13:4-8. How
would we apply love to the practical needs of helping our
neighbors? Think about "not easily provoked," "rejoiceth in
truth," "hopeth all things," "charity never faileth" as guiding
principles for our relationships with others.
What false motives sometime prompt benevolence?
Matt. 6:2-4.
THINK IT THROUGH
What "image" am I projecting? How may the church
which I attend best help the needy in my community? Do
I love God enough to care? Do I care enough to act?
"In His life and lessons, Christ has
ample showed how we are to obey it."
given a perfect exemplification of the —"The Desire of Ages," page 649.
unselfish ministry which has its origin
"The service rendered in sincerity of
in God. God does not live for Himself.
heart has great recompense. . . . The
By creating the world, and by uphold-
faces of men and women who walk
ing all things, He is constantly minister-
and work with God express the peace
ing for others.... This ideal of ministry
of heaven. They are surrounded with
God has committed to His Son. Jesus the atmosphere of heaven. For these
was given to stand at the head of hu-
souls the kingdom of God has begun.
manity, that by His example He might They have Christ's joy, the joy of being
teach what it means to minister. His a blessing to humanity. They have the
whole life was under a law of service.
honor of being accepted for the Mas-
He served all, ministered to all. Thus
ter's use; they are trusted to do His
He lived the law of God, and by His ex-
work in His name."—"Ibid.," p. 312.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Desire of Ages, " pages 399-403.
67
Who Is My Neighbor?
LESSON 8
February 20
Part 7 <> SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Complete this Scripture: "Are we
for we have before proved both
under sin." "For there is
than they? No, in no wise:
and
, that they are all
2.
Concern, compassion, commitment. Which of these caused the Samaritan
to aid the fallen traveler?
3.
What priority would you give in ministering in the following situations?
Assess carefully your own answer on the basis of personal motivation, your
commitment, and the self-sacrifice involved:
(a)
A wealthy friend whom you
hope to influence through a social gathering;
(b)
A welfare need from a
tragic hurricane:
(c)
An unwed mother who needs sympathy and love;
(d)
A Bible course enrollment drive;
(e)
A church appeal for mission funds.
4.
Whom does Ellen G. White say the providence of God has placed in close
relationship to His church)
5.
True or False: Our good works have a definite effect on the salvation of
others
6.
True or False: Laying down our lives includes a continuous offering of
ourselves for the benefit and salvation of others.
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February 27
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WHAT A TASK!
9
LESSON 9
"And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature." Mark 16:15.
To the church is given the task of preach-
ing the gospel. The results are not our re-
sponsibility, but God's. Our responsibility
is to carry the gospel to every creature.
Some will believe; some will not. Beyond
this primary result there is the promise that
when the task of preaching is complete the
end will come. Evangelism is both a doc-
trine and a goal for the church; it is also
a means to an end. We must evangelize
the world; our, goal is to preach Christ to
every creature. A successful worldwide wit-
ness is the only Biblical condition, for
which the church is responsible, upon which
the return of Christ depends. But much
must be done in spiritual preparation in
order that we may accomplish this goal.
"Long has God waited for the spirit of
service to take possession of the whole
church so that everyone shall be working
for Him according to his ability. When the
members of the church of God do their
appointed work in the needy fields at home
and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel
commission, the whole world will soon be
warned and the Lord Jesus will return to
this earth with power and great glory."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 111.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Go Ye
Matt. 28:18-20
2.
Who? Me?
2 Cor. 5:18-20
3.
"One Thing Thou Lackest"
Matt. 6:20, 21
4.
Where Is Today's Mission Feld?
Rev. 7:9
5.
Heaven to the Rescue!
Dan. 12:3, 4
6.
Now What?
Hosea 6:3
69
What a Task!
LESSON 9
❑
Sunday
February 21
Part 1
"Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power
GO YE! is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye there-
fore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even
Matt. 28:18-20 unto the end of the world."
Jesus' command to evangelize is as direct as any other He
gave. Though evangelism is implied as part of the work of
the Jewish theocracy in the Old Testament, Christ's concept
of individual active evangelism is new. It is more than volun-
tarily coming to the church because it looks holy and good. It
is going into the highways and byways to compel others to
come in.
What attitude on the part of God does this commis-
sion reflect? 2 Peter 3:9.
Christ's name is the only one that saves. Acts 4:12. When
the world has received the message of Christ's saving love,
when all have had the opportunity to consider truth and de-
cide, God can justly conclude earth's probation.
Would it be enough to preach the gospel without
actively seeking out lost individuals? Mark 16:15.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I accepted the challenge of worldwide evan-
gelism? How should I expect this to affect my life?
"Christian motives demand that we
work with a steady purpose, an un-
dying interest, and ever-increasing im-
portunity, for the souls whom Satan is
seeking to destroy. Nothing is to chill
the earnest, yearning energy for the
salvation of the lost."—"The Ministry
of Healing," page 164.
"Just as soon as a person is really
converted to the truth there springs up
in his heart an earnest desire to go and
tell some friend or neighbor of the pre-
cious light shining forth from the sacred
pages. In his unselfish labor to save
others he is a living epistle, known and
read of all men. His life shows that he
has been converted to Christ and has
become a colaborer with Him."—"Tes-
timonies," Vol. 5, p. 386.
"Why is it that many more do not
respond to the call? Is it because they
think themselves excused in that they
do not stand in the pulpit? Let them
understand that there is a large work
to be done outside the pulpit by thou-
sands of consecrated lay members."—
"The Acts of the Apostles," page 111.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 9-16.
70
What a Task!
LESSON 9
❑
Monday
February 22
Part 2
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us
WHO? ME? to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the min-
istry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ,
reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their
trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the
word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors
for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray
2 Cor. 5:18-20 you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
The "new creature" of verse 17 recognizes a responsibility
for others. Note the reference to "any man." Paul excludes no
one from the effect of conversion. It does not isolate us from
the world; it impels us to involve ourselves with the world's
needs.
What is the "word of reconciliation"?
THINK IT THROUGH
For Paul, evangelism was a divine compulsion. After Da-
mascus he was never the same. He looked for Christ to reveal
Himself in his life. Gal. 1:15, 16.
What should we expect to happen when Christ fills
the life? 1 Cor. 2:2.
Paul subordinated his scholarly learning to the purpose of
evangelism. 1 Cor. 2:4, 5. Is it possible for a housewife, a uni-
versity professor, a computer programmer, a tradesman, to
regard his training in the same way as Paul did his?
"No man liveth unto himself." As I survey my circle of
influence, how can I operate for the salvation of souls
within these limits? Will training for service help? Should
I seek a wider sphere?
"Hundreds, yea, thousands, who lighten the woe of suffering humanity.
have heard the message of salvation As we engage in this work we shall be
are still idlers in the marketplace, when
greatly blessed. Its influence is irresis•
they might be engaged in some line of tible. By it souls are won to the Re-
active service. To these Christ is saying,
deemer. The practical carrying out of
'Why stand ye here all the day idle?' the Saviour's commission demonstrates
and He adds, 'Go ye also into the the power of the gospel. This work calls
vineyard.'"—"The Acts of the Apos-
for laborious effort, but it pays; for by
tles," pages 110, 111.
it perishing souls are saved. Through
"In sympathy and compassion we its influence men and women of talent
are to minister to those in need of help,
are to be brought to the cross of Christ."
seeking with unselfish earnestness to —"Welfare Ministry," page 117.
THE SECOND MILE: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 386-389.
71
What a Task!
LESSON 9
Part 3
"ONE THING
THOU LACKEST"
Matt. 6:20, 21
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Tuesday
February 23
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do
not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also."
"Some, I saw, who profess to be the followers of Jesus, are
so ambitious to obtain earthly treasures that they lose their
love for heaven, act like the world, and are accounted of God
as of the world. They profess to be seeking an immortal crown,
a treasure in the heavens; but their interest and principal study
is to acquire earthly
treasures."—Testimonies,
Vol. 1, p. 350.
The rich young ruler could not part with his riches to en-
gage in a life of ministry. To deny the gospel to others because
of our selfishness is to prefer earth to heaven.
What about the source of our prosperity? Deut. 8:18.
How has God ordained that the gospel work should
be sustained? Mal. 3:8-10.
What does the prophet mean by the "meat in Mine house"?
It means sustaining the services that pointed to Christ. It
means maintaining the witness of truth among the nations
surrounding Israel. Today providing "meat in Mine house"
includes supporting a sustained witness in all the world.
What forms of selfishness inhibit service? Am I selfish
with my time, my money, my talents?
"He that gives to the needy blesses
others, and is blessed himself in a
still greater degree. God could have
reached His object in saving sinners
without the aid of man; but He knew
that man could not be happy without
acting a part in the great work in
which he would be cultivating self-
denial and benevolence."—"Testimo-
nies," Vol. 3, p. 382.
"When God's messengers recognize
their responsibilities toward the needy
portions of the Lord's vineyard, and in
the spirit of the Master Worker labor
untiringly for the conversion of souls,
the angels of God will prepare the way
before them, and the means necessary
for the carrying forward of the work
will be provided. Those who are en•
lightened will . . . respond liberally to
every call for help, and the Spirit of
God will move upon their hearts to sus-
tain the Lord's cause not only in the
home fields, but in the regions beyond."
—"The Acts of the Apostles," pages
357, 358.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 335-341.
72
What a Task!
LESSON 9
❑
Wednesday
February 24
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which
no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and
people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before
the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their
hands."
Part 4
WHERE IS TODAY'S
MISSION FIELD?
Rev. 7:9
After the disappointment of 1844 some of the early pioneers
had a very limited vision. They felt that •the door of mercy
had been shut. Counsel through the spirit of prophecy and
from the Bible lifted the vision of the young church.
Within months they accepted a widening responsibility that
eventually included the world. Today almost the entire world
has access to the message in one form or another. Self-sacrifice
at home and abroad has built this mighty work for God.
How does the first angel describe the scope of his
message? Rev. 14:6
Would the presence of the church in a country mean that
the work was done there? Note the scope of the gospel mes-
sage: nation, kindred, tongue, people.
How widespread will Satan's control of mankind be in
the end of time? Rev. 13:8, 16.
What is God doing to enable us to reach out to a
needy world? Rev. 7:1-3.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the
quality of my belief? Am I preparing to
be a part of the great multitude? Am I doing the work
of the remnant?
"'Go out into the highways and
"The mission of the church of Christ
hedges, and compel them to come in,'
is to save perishing sinners. It is to
Christ bids us, 'that My house may be make known the love of God to men
filled.' In obedience to this word we
and to win them to Christ by the effi-
must go to the heathen who are near cacy of that love. The truth for this time
us, and to those who are afar off. The must be carried into the dark corners
'publicans and the harlots' must hear of the earth, and this work may begin
the Saviour's invitation. Through the
at home. The followers of Christ should
kindness and long-suffering of His mes-
not live selfish lives; but, imbued with
sengers the invitation becomes a com-
the Spirit of Christ, they should work
pelling power to uplift those who are in harmony with Him."—"Testimonies,"
sunken in the lowest depths of sin."
Vol. 3, p. 381.
—"The Ministry of Healing," page 164.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 25-34.
73
What a Task!
LESSON 9
Part 5
HEAVEN TO
THE RESCUE!
Dan. 12:3, 4
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Thursday
February 25
"They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the
firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as
the stars forever and ever. But thou, 0 Daniel, shut up
the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the
end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall
be increased."
World population increases at the rate of better than two
each second of every day. Vast forces of indifference and preju-
dice seem to stifle our best endeavors. But God speaks of those
who will turn many to righteousness.
A knowledge of prophecy, and particularly the prophecies
of Daniel and Revelation, has made us a people. God is aiding
us in making the predictions of prophecy plain. Modern mass
media, such as radio, television, and the press, aid in the task
of finishing the work.
When the early church faced the task of taking the gospel
out to the world, what did God do? Acts 2:2-4. The gift of
languages was the answer to their need. Our needs are different.
What will answer our need today?
Daniel 12:4 is a prediction of the kind of help heaven will
give. What will be the result of increased searching in the last
days? In what area of knowledge are we to expect an increase?
What desperate endeavors is Satan making in these
last days? Rev. 12:12, 17.
How will God aid His people in the face of these
assaults? Rev. 18:1-4.
What relationship is there between the mass media
and personal testimony? Can either be eliminated? Will
preaching ever be outmoded?
"The Lord designs that the presenta-
tion of this message shall be the high-
est, greatest work carried on in the
world at this time."—"Testimonies," Vol.
6, p. 11.
"Our watchword is to be, Onward,
ever onward! Angels of heaven will go
before us to prepare the way. Our
burden for the regions beyond can
never be laid down till the whole earth
is lightened with the glory of the Lord."
—"Evangelism," page 707.
"By giving the gospel to the world
it is in our power to hasten . . . the
coming of the day of God. 2 Peter 3:12,
margin. Had the church of Christ done
her appointed work as the Lord or-
dained, the whole world would before
this have been warned, and the Lord
Jesus would have come to our earth in
power and great glory."—"The Desire
of Ages," pages 633, 634.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Great Controversy," pages 603-612.
74
What a Task!
LESSON 9
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Friday
February 26
"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the
Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and
He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former
rain unto the earth."
God assures us that He will answer the cry of people for
spiritual infilling. Upon the parched ground of our souls He
will spill out the abundance of His Spirit.
How did the disciples prepare for the gifts of Pentecost?
Acts 2:1-4. Their major burden, the outcry of their hearts, was
to know how to answer the challenge Christ left them. See
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 37.
How does individual witnessing share in the plan of God?
Acts 8:26-38. The servant of the Lord speaks of the people of
God as going from "door to door, with their faces lighted." She
says it is our responsibility to take the message "to every
man's door." Alongside heart preparation stands service. Our
preparation is honed in the clashes of the battle for souls.
How does heaven regard our best endeavors to extend
the kingdom of God? Luke 15:7. What reward comes to
the faithful servant? Ps. 126:5, 6. (Joy in heaven, joy on
earth.)
"While the great final reward is given at Christ's coming,
truehearted service for God brings a reward even in this life."
—Welfare Ministry,
page 311.
Am I wasting my time wondering how God can carry
the gospel to all the world, and meanwhile failing to
do my part?
Part 6
NOW WHAT?
Hosea 6:3
the work. But did God make them so
incapable? No, never. This inability
has been produced by their own inac-
tivity and perpetuated by their deliber-
ate choice. Already, in their own char-
acters, they are realizing the result of
the sentence, 'Take the talent from him.'
The continual misuse of their talents
will effectually quench for them the
Holy Spirit, which is the only light."
—"Christ's Object Lessons," page 365.
"When the redeemed stand before
God, precious souls will respond to
their names who are there because of
the faithful, patient efforts put forth
in their behalf, the entreaties and ear-
nest persuasions to flee to the Strong-
hold. Thus those who in this world have
been laborers together with God will
receive their reward."—"Testimonies,"
Vol. 8, pp. 196, 197.
"Many who excuse themselves from
Christian effort plead their inability for
THE SECOND MILE: "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 325-333.
75
91
Answers: (1) Everyone; (2) ambassadors for Christ, Christ's, reconciled to God; (3) False; (4)
No; (5) The presentation of this message; (6) The outpouring of God's Spirit in the last days.
.
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THE CHRISTIAN'S RELATIONSHIP TO HIS 10
NEIGHBORS OF OTHER RACES
"I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and
to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you
that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the
power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also
to the Greek." Rom. 1:14-16.
Satan considers it his special work to
hinder the progress of the gospel in the
earth. One of his most potent weapons is
racism. It is a most successful deterrent to
righteousness because it appeals to the
flesh and to carnal emotions in a most
spectacular way. Since selfishness is a
grievous sin in the church, racism and na-
tionalism are most effective in destroying
love for others and rebuilding the divisions
that Christ sought to remove when He died
on the cross.
The great commission which Christ gave
to His beloved church makes a dogma of
love and disallows all racial and national
hatreds. "Go ye," is His command. Go ye
to all nations, all races, all peoples!
"No distinction on account of national-
ity, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He
is the Maker of all mankind. All men are
ca _one family by creation, and all are one
through redemption. Christ came to demol-
ish every wall of partition, to throw open
every compartment of the temple, that
every soul may have free access to God.
. . . In Christ there is neither Jew nor
Greek, bond nor
free."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 386.
It is impossible to fulfill the great com-
mission and at the same time bow at the
shrine of racism. The work will not be fin-
ished until the people of God are ready to
carry the good news to every creature.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Charged to Love and Save
All Men
Matt. 28:19, 20
2.
Brothers Twice
Gen. 1:27; Acts 17:26
3.
The Great Example
John 4:9, 10
4.
Human Relations in the Early
Church
Acts 10:25-28
5.
Responsibility of the Remnant
Matt. 24:14
6.
Unity Among Many
Rev. 7:9
77
The Christian's Relationship to His Neighbors of Other Races
Part 1
CHARGED TO
LOVE AND
SAVE ALL MEN
Matt. 28:19, 20
LESSON 10
❑
Sunday
February 28
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things what-
soever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world."
Can an unconverted man obey Christ in spreading the mes-
sage of hope to every creature? This is utterly impossible. The
great commission was given only to converted men and women.
Only as one is converted is he equipped to go out in Jesus'
name and summon others for Christ. All who are converted
are •to do just this. The Holy Spirit fills a man who is con-
verted that the man might be sanctified himself and that he
might have power to win others by his witness.
When one is converted, selfishness and pride surrender
to the great principle of love. John 13:35.
When the Holy Spirit enters a man's heart, he loves
as God loves. Rom. 5:5.
Many would seek to make excuses for weakness rather than
recognize it for what it is and claim victory over it. "When
the Holy Spirit is poured out, there will be a triumph of hu-
manity over prejudice in seeking the salvation of the souls
of human beings. God will control minds. Human hearts will
love as Christ loved
."—T estimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 209.
The point is that hatreds and prejudices are demon-inspired
and must be surrendered as any other sin. Christ does not say
that we should wait for years to rid the soul of these sins.
He offers victory over all evil now. "We should be careful not
to strengthen prejudices that ought to have died just as soon
as Christ redeemed the soul from the bondage of
sin."—The
Southern Work,
page 15.
What evidence does the prejudiced or hate-filled soul
present by his example? 1 John 4:20, 21.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are there conflicts between patriotism and nationalism
as relating to the great commission?
"Christ sought to teach the disciples
the truth that in God's kingdom there
are no territorial lines, no caste, no
aristocracy; that they must go to all
nations, bearing to them the message
of a Saviour's love."—"The Acts of the
Apostles," page 20.
"Many who claim to
be
children of
God are children of the wicked one,
and have all his passions, his preju-
dices, his evil spirit, his unlovely traits
of character. But the soul that is indeed
transformed will not despise anyone
whom Christ has purchased with His
own blood."—"The Southern Work,"
pages 13, 14.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Desire of Ages," pages 818-828.
78
The Christian's Relationship to His Neighbors of Other Races
LESSON 10
❑
Monday
March I
Part 2
BROTHERS TWICE
Gen. 1:27;
Acts 17:26
THINK IT THROUGH
"So God created man in His own image, in the image
of God created He him; male and female created He
them."
"And hath made of one blood all nations of men for
to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath deter-
mined the times before appointed, and the bounds of
their habitation."
Many have searched the records of history and anthropology
in the vain hope that some hidden key to the differences in
races could be found. But all theories, philosophies, and "isms"
remain confounded by the Word of God. "Speaking to His
disciples the Saviour said, 'All ye are brethren.' God is our
common Father, and each one of us is our brother's keeper."—
Ellen G. White,
The Review and Herald,
Jan. 21, 1896.
All men are descendants of Adam and Eve, and more re-
cently of Shem, Ham, and Japheth—three brothers, the sons
of Noah. "Have we not all one father? bath not one God
created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against
his brother?" Mal. 2:10.
What does faith in Christ make of all men? Gal.
3:26-29.
Paul counseled Philemon to receive his former slave
as a brother. Philemon 15, 16. Why?
"By nature all men are brothers in
places with the humblest African who
the flesh. When we become Christians, has laid hold on the hope of the gos-
we become brothers in the Lord. There pel."—"The Southern Work," pages
is a tendency in this twentieth century
12, 13.
to stress the phrase 'brothers in the
"When the sinner is converted he
Lord,' but to neglect the phrase 'broth-
receives the Holy Spirit, that makes
ers in the flesh.' They both go together
him a child of God, and fits him for
and are an integral part of the gospel the society of the redeemed and the
message."—E. E. Cleveland, "The Mid-
angelic host. He is made a joint heir
dle Wall," page 32.
with Christ. Whoever of the human
"The character makes the man. If family give themselves to Christ, who-
a red man, a Chinese, or an African
ever hear the truth and obey it, be-
gives his heart to God, in obedience come children of one family. The igno-
and faith, Jesus loves him nonetheless
rant and the wise, the rich and the
for his color. He calls him His well-
poor, the heathen and the slave, white
beloved brother. The day is coming or black—Jesus paid the purchase
when the kings and the lordly men of
money for their souls. . . . All are one
the earth would be glad to exchange
in Christ."—"Ibid.," page 12.
THE SECOND MILE: "Prophets and Kings, " pages 367-370.
79
The Christian's Relationship to His Neighbors of Other Races
LESSON 10
❑
Tuesday
March 2
Part 3
THE GREAT
EXAMPLE
John 4:9, 10
"Then saith the woman of Samaria unto Him, How is
it that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am
a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings
with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her,
If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith
to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of
Him, and He would have given thee living water."
Although Jesus left the Jordan area to avoid unnecessary
controversy about baptism, He did not permit the existing
prejudices to keep Him from ministering to the Samaritans.
There were two routes from Judea to Galilee. The shorter one
went through Samaria. The strict Jews took the longer jour-
ney to avoid contact with the Samaritans. But Jesus selected
the route through Samaria. He refused to permit racial bar-
riers to hinder His work.
"Jesus had begun to break down the partition wall between
Jew and Gentile, and to preach salvation to .the world. Though
He was a Jew, He mingled freely with the Samaritans, setting
at nought the Pharisaic customs of His nation. In face of their
prejudices He accepted the hospitality of this despised people.
He slept under their roofs, ate with them at their tables,—par-
taking of the food prepared and served by their hands,—taught
in their streets, and treated them with the utmost kindness and
courtesy."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 193.
How did Christ treat one of the "hated" Romans?
Luke 7:1-10.
What did Jesus teach by His story of the Good Samar-
itan? Luke 10:30-37.
When Jesus told the Canaanite woman, "'I am not sent but,
unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel,' .. . He was fulfilling
His commission. This woman was one of the lost sheep that
Israel should have rescued. It was their appointed work, the
work which they had neglected, that Christ was doing."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 402.
THINK IT THROUGH
What, indeed, is a Christian?
"Many who claim to be Christians
have accomplished little in the world
because they have not kept their eyes
upon Jesus, and have permitted iniq-
uity to overcome them. Many who have
gone forth as missionaries have fallen
into sin, and Satan has exulted be-
cause men who claimed to be workers
together with God were not daily con-
verted, and were not, by looking unto
Jesus, transformed in character. They
did not make God their strength, and
so made crooked paths for their feet.
They could not bring the poor, igno-
rant souls who were debased by sin
into a new life . . . because their own
life was not hid with Christ in God."
—"The Southern Work," page 28.
THE SECOND MILE:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 183-195.
80
The Christian's Relationship to His Neighbors of Other Races
LESSON 10
❑
Wednesday
March 3
Part 4
HUMAN RELATIONS
IN THE
EARLY CHURCH
Acts 10:25-28
"And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and
fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. But Peter took
him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And
as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that
were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know
how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew
to keep company, or come unto one of another nation;
but God hath showed me that I should not call any man
common or unclean."
"From Peter's experience it is clear that a man may become
a Christian while racially prejudiced. If he is sincerely Chris-
tian, however, he cannot
remain
so in the face of a divine en-
lightenment. This, like every other sin, must be overcome."
—The Middle Wall,
page 14.
How did the other believers accept the news of Peter's
visit with Cornelius? Acts 11:1-3.
What was the outcome? Verse 18.
What was Paul's attitude after conversion? Eph. 2:14.
How did Paul react when Peter compromised on the
question of separatism? Gal. 2:11.
Peter claimed Cornelius, Philip won the Ethiopian, Paul
carried the evangel to nation after nation because they knew
that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free,
but all are one.
How thoroughly was ^he Pharisee Paul converted on
the principle of unity in Christ? Rom. 1:14-16; Eph. 2:14.
THINK IT THROUGH
Will the work of Christ ever be finished until it is
finished among all people?
"The cure for fear lies partly in elimi-
nating external threats to the security
of the self; but it lies more in eliminat-
ing excessive consciousness of the self.
Love supremely does this. . . .
"In man's social life, in relations be-
tween groups and classes and nations
—as between individuals—love casts out
fear. Want of love, evident in suspi-
cion, duplicity, hatred, and aggression,
begets fear. Most of the tensions be-
tween classes and races in society are
basically rooted in fear, and only love
expressed in imaginative sympathy,
fair-mindedness, and goodwill can cast
out fear."—"The Interpreter's Bible,"
on 1 John 4:18.
"By this shall all men know that ye
are My disciples, if ye have love one
to another." John 13:35.
THE SECOND MILE: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 132-142.
81
The Christian's Relationship to His Neighbors of Other Races
LESSON 10
❑
Thursday
March 4
Part 5
RESPONSIBILITY
OF THE REMNANT
Matt. 24:14
THINK IT THROUGH
"And this gospel of the kingdom. shall,
be
preached'
in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then
shall the end come."
The urgent messages of the three angels are needed in all
quarters of the earth. God has called us to preach to, every
nation and kindred' and' tongue and' people. No
,
serect group
-
is to hear alone. The work will not be finished until
all
have
received the warning and the message of hope contained in
Rev. 14:6-12. The call to decision of Rev. 18:4 must be
voiced everywhere. The end will not come until this work
is finished.
The following is the action of the Executive Committee of
the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in its Au-
tumn Council session, October, 1961:
"The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a world church. The
task that Seventh-day Adventists have assumed is the preaching
of the gospel to every tongue and nation. They believe that
all men are of one blood and are equally destined for eternity
in the heavenly kingdom."
Thank God that, though men may quibble and faint, the
objectives and principles of Christ's church through the ages
have been .the same. Apart from these principles the work can
never be finished.
What will love do? 1 Cor. 13:7, 8.
What motivates us to obey the commission? John
14:15.
What if prejudice causes us to neglect any man or
people? Eze. 33:6.
Am I willing to take Christ to any man? Every man?
"In calling God our Father, we rec-
interest. It will be your joy to recog-
ognize all His children as our brethren.
nize and honor your relation to your
We are all a part of the great web of Father and to every member of His
humanity, all members of one fam-
family. You will rejoice to do any act,
ily....
however humble, that will tend to His
"As children of God, you will hold
glory or to the well-being of your kin-
His honor, His character, His family, His dred."—"Thoughts From the Mount of
work, as the objects of your highest
Blessing," pages 105, 106.
THE SECOND MILE: "Education," page 264.
82
The Christian's Relationship to His Neighbors of Other Races
LESSON 10
❑
Friday
March 5
THINK IT 'THROUGH
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which
no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and
people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before
the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their
hands."
Opposing views evaporate in a flash! Opposing guns are
hushed! Discordant voices are mute ! Epithets and insults die
in the land! One voice is heard, and one people arise to that
voice. One people from among many. From the four quarters
of the earth the triumphant tread of the redeemed is heard as
they together meet the Lord. Together black and white, yellow
and red! Together from the Arctic wastes and the bleached
deserts. Together from the steaming jungles of verdant green
and the seething jungles of concrete and glass—one people!
One
people from every nation and kindred and tongue, to live
together in a flawless land because their lives were brought
into harmony here. They loved here. Out of chaos and hatred
they were drawn together by the gospel of love and a mutual
hope.
Who shall inherit the earth? Matt. 5:5.
Who shall reign in righteousness? Zech. 14:4, 5, 9.
Who alone is worshiped, and by whom? Rev. 15:4.
With hope of heavenly unity, what should be our
attitude here? 1 Peter 1:22, 23.
Is it possible to be saved without giving up every sin
—even the sin of prejudice?
Part 6
UNITY AMONG
MANY
Rev. 7:9
"Satan's work of ruin is forever
ended. For six thousand years he has
wrought his will, filling the earth with
woe and causing grief throughout the
universe. The whole creation has
groaned and travailed together in pain.
Now God's creatures are forever de-
livered from his presence and tempta-
tions. 'The whole earth is at rest, and
is quiet: they [the righteous] break
THE SECOND MILE: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 259-261.
83
forth into singing.' Isaiah 14:7. And a
shout of praise and triumph ascends
from the whole loyal universe. 'The
voice of a great multitude,' as the
voice of many waters, and as the voice
of mighty thunderings,' is heard, say-
ing: 'Alleluia: for the Lord God omnip-
otent reigneth.'"—"The Great Contro-
versy," page 673.
EQUALITY OF BELIEVERS 11
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:26.
That God is no respecter of persons is
a source of consolation and strength in a
world cold with indifference. Men are
judged by men according to wealth and
position and race. In human minds might
makes right. Not so with God. His stan-
dard of flawless morality is His law, and
by His grace He gives power to those who
aspire to reach His standard.
Whenever a man reaches out to God by
faith, confesses his sins, and claims God's
grace, that man becomes God's son, equal
to all other sons. Of His commandments
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount,
"Whosoever shall do and teach them, the
same shall be called great in the kingdom
of heaven." It matters not where and under
what circumstances that man is born—
whether rich or poor or of what nationality
or race—if he is an obedient Christian,
Heaven regards him as "great."
"Man is of value with God in propor-
tion as he permits the divine image to be
retraced upon his soul. However misshapen
has been his character, although he may
have been counted as an outcast among
men, the man who permits the grace of
Christ to enter his soul will be reformed
in character and will be raised up from his
condition of guilt, degradation, and wretch-
edness. . . . The frailest human being may
be elevated, ennobled, refined, and sancti-
fied by the grace of God."—The
Southern
Work,
page
31.
This equality before God
is the hope of His children everywhere.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. All Men Are Created Equal
James 2:9
2. Pride and the Evangel
Rom. 12:3
3. Fellowship in Faith
Gal. 3:26-29
4. Unequal Gifts and Talents
1 Cor. 12:4-6
5. Greater Opportunity—
Greater Responsibility
Rom. 15:1
6. Christ and the Lowly
2 Cor. 8:9
85
Equality of Believers
LESSON 11
❑
Sunday
March 7
Part 1
"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and
ALL MEN are convinced of the law as transgressors."
ARE CREATED
James 2:9
EQUAL
created equal and are equal in what they might become through
Christ. All possessions might not •be equal, nor all opportuni-
Sin is the curse of the world. Its wage is death. All men are
ties and talents; but in God's sight all
men
are. Christ saw in
all men, even those of lowest estate, the heritage of God; and
He would have died for any
one
of them as verily as He would
for all of them. He was not bothered at all by race, caste,
nationalism. He was the hope of the whole race, the Desire of
all ages.
"Caste is hateful to God. He ignores everything of this
character. In His sight the souls of all men are of equal value."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 403.
Does the Bible or the spirit of prophecy support preju-
dice—race prejudice or any other kind?
What do we become when we are partial? James
2:1-4.
How should we esteem others? Phil. 2:3.
Superiority and inferiority feelings serve Satan's purpose
well. He is the fountain from which these pollutions flow.
Both poison the soul and can shut out the saving light of
God. The man who feels inferior will not understand the worth
of his own soul nor the marvelous grace of God. He may even
question the justice of God and abhor Him. The man with a
superiority complex can never love as Christ loves. Pride, ar-
rogance, and selfishness are his bedfellows. He wears a curse.
He will not understand the urgency of extending himself on
behalf of the masses of downtrodden and degraded souls for
whom Christ died.
What is Paul's counsel to those tempted with pride
and prejudice? Rom. 12:16.
THINK IT THROUGH
Can one make a correct appraisal of himself by any
other means than by the light from Calvary? Will any-
thing else keep him from thinking either too highly or
too little of himself for his own soul's good?
"It was never God's purpose that so- learned. . . . Those who center every-
ciety should be separated into classes, thing upon themselves misinterpret the
that there should be an alienation be- character- of God."—"The Southern
tween the rich and the poor, the high Work," page 37..
and the low, the learned and the un-
THE SECOND MILE:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 399-403.
86
Equality of Believers
LESSON 11
❑
Monday
March 8
Part 2
PRIDE AND THE
EVANGEL
Rom. 12:3
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every
man that is among you, not to think of himself more
highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, ac-
cording as God hath dealt to every man the measure of
faith."
The human ego is a formidable enemy. Its work is manifest
in all the conflicts of life. It is the guardian of self. It intrudes
itself into all the plans of God. It is critical and cold to others
unless others pay homage and bow at its feet with flattery and
praise. It demeans men and nullifies the urge to go and save
:men.
It stands condemned! Luke 14:11.
It does not love. '1 Cor.,13:5.
"We have no enemy without that we need to fear. Our great
conflict is with unconsecrated self. When we conquer self, we
are more than ,conquerors through. Him who has loved us."—
Counsels on Stewardship,
pages 21, 22.
"Christ recognized no 'distinction of nationality or rank or
creed. The scribes and Pharisees desired to make a local and
a national benefit of the gifts of heaven and to exclude the rest
of God's family in the world. But Christ came to' break down
every wall of partition. He came to show that His gift of
mercy and love is as unconfined as the air, the light, or the
showers of rain that refresh the earth."—The
Ministry of Heal-
ing,
page 25.
What indicates that we are to work for the souls of
all classes of society? Luke 14:23. What will be the ulti-
mate result? Matt. 24:14.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I prepared to carry Christ to any man, regardless
of race or station in life? Could I work easily with the
downtrodden? If not, why not? What can be done to
change my attitude? Read Rom. 12:16.
"Every man who praises himself
brushes the luster 'from his best ef-
forts."—"Testimonies," Vol. 4, p. 607.
"He who is truly converted will work
to save others who are in darkness.
One truly converted soul will reach out
in faith to save another and still an-
"THE-SECOND MILE: "Selected Messages,"
other."—"Evangelism," page 355.
"God's love in the heart would melt
away the barriers of race and caste
and would remove the obstacles with
which men have barred others away
from the truth as it is in Jesus."—"The
Southern Work," page 39.
Bk. 1, pp. 312, 313.
87
Equality of Believers
LESSON 11
❑
Tuesday
March
9
Part 3
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ
FELLOWSHIP Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into
IN FAITH Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor
female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be
Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs accord-
Gal. 3:26-29 ing to the promise."
It suits Satan's purpose to promote division among the
peoples of the earth. Out of division come contentions, hatreds,
racism, discrimination, oppression, suppression, exploitation,
and war. Satan hates a spirit of love and unity among church
members. Christ demands this very spirit; and when we are
truly converted, we are born into His family, and all in His
family are brethren. "Now are we the sons of God." 1 John 3:2.
"Honor all men. Love the brotherhood." 1 Peter 2:17. The
brotherhood of saints is bound by the mystical tie of divine
love which is stronger than the tie of blood relationship. Paul
said, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love; in honor preferring one another." Rom. 12:10.
"All ye are brethren," said Christ. Now read 1 John 3:14:
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because
we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth
in death." See 1 Thess. 4:9.
What is a test of discipleship? John 13:35.
What was the yearning desire of Christ's heart? John
17:21.
Christ commands us to love one another. John 15:17.
What is to be our attitude if we are offended by one
who is a brother in the Lord? 1 Cor. 6:1-6.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are some of the things we can do to make the
weak and the outcast feel more secure in the church?
"The attributes of the enemy of God
and man too often find expression in
their spirit and attitude toward one
another. They hurt one another, be-
cause they are not partakers of the
divine nature; and thus they work
against the perfection of their own
character."—"Evangelism," page 635.
"If sin is plain in a brother, breathe
it not to another, but with love for the
brother's soul, with a heart full of
compassion, with bowels of mercy, tell
him the wrong, then leave the matter
with him and the Lord. You have dis-
charged your duty. You are not to pass
sentence."—"Testimonies," Vol. 1, p.
165.
See "The Acts of the Apostles," page
550.
THE SECOND
MILE: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 257-259.
88
Equality of Believers
LESSON 11
March 13
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
I. "In lowliness of mind let each
other
than
PI
2.
By what power did Paul undertake to counsel Christians on human rela-
tions)
3.
Why do so-called Christians often "hurt one another")
4.
Does the use of our gifts mean that we must be prominent in some church
office)
5.
How is the character of our Christianity tested)
6.
What great word is used in 2 Corinthians 8:9 to indicate the power that
enabled Christ to come from heaven)
•
33¢19 (9) :SE punoiu axe otim sauo ivapuadap ani Ag (3) !oN (q) •axnieu
3u!AT am Jo saaNu4.red 1011 is AMU,
(r)
:aauzo (z) !saniastuam
6
.1apaq quaaisa (I) : siaAtsuV
92
LESSON 12
March 20
THE CHRISTIAN AND DIVISIVE ISSUES
12
"I pray not that Thou shouldest take
shouldest keep them from the evil." John
The world today is facing many social
problems that were formerly ignored.
Among these are poverty, education, hun-
ger, racism, overpopulation, distribution of
land, distribution of food resources, and
unemployment.
The Christian asks, "What can I do
about these things? What is the solution
to these problems?"
This lesson emphasizes that a Christian
is a child of God. In this world the be-
liever is to reflect the image of Christ. In
so doing he will rela
-
re
—
fiiagelf
-
fo
—
all
—
prob-
lems as Christ would. He will endeavor to
serve as God's ambassador to deal wisely
W"Ttli the world's needs.
"The great work before us all, as Chris-
tians, is to extend Christ's kingdom as
rapidly as possible, in accordance with the
divine commission. The gospel is to ad-
vance from conquest to conquest, from
victory to victory. The greatness of the
kingdom under the whole heaven shall be
given to the people of the saints of the
them out of the world, but that Thou
17:15.
Most High, and they shall take the king-
dom and possess the kingdom forever and
ever."—Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 219.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. The Christian—God's Possession
1 Cor. 6:20
2. In the World, but Not of the
World
John 17:15
3. Ambassadors for Christ
2 Cor. 5:20
4. Active Reformers
Isa. 58:12
5. Christian Methods of Reform
2 Cor. 10:4
6. The Blessed Hope
Titus 2:12, 13
93
The Christian. and Divisive Issues
LESSON 12
Part 2
IN THE WORLD,
BUT NOT OF
THE WORLD
John 17:15
THINK IT THROUGH
❑
Monday
March 15
"I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the
world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
Throughout the history of man God has required that His
followers should maintain standards different from those of
nonbelievers. This meant that in many instances the believer
had to disassociate himself from the activities of his neighbors.
People of the world often engage in some things with which
the Christian cannot and dare not associate himself.
What does the apostle Paul say should be our relation
to the world? 2 Cor. 6:17.
"The followers of Christ are to be separate from the world
in principles and interests, but they are not to isolate them-
selves from the world. The Saviour mingled constantly with
men, not to encourage them in anything that was not in ac-
cordance with God's will, but to uplift and ennoble them.
. . . So the Christian is to abide among men, that the savor
of divine love may be as •salt to preserve the world from cor-
ruption."—Counsels
to Teachers,
page 323.
What is the choice God urges upon every believer?
Deut. 30:15, 19, 20.
"Those who follow the Lord are to be firm and straight-
forward in obeying His directions. Any deviation to follow
human devising or planning disqualifies them for being trust-
worthy. Even if they have to walk as did Enoch,—with God
alone,—His children must separate from •those who do not
obey Him, who show that they are not in vital connection
with Him."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SD A Bible Com-
mentary, Vol. 2,
p. 1037.
How can a Christian remain separate from the world
and yet wield an influence for good?
of God. His children must follow where
He has led the way; at whatever sacri-
fice of ease or selfish indulgence, at
whatever cost of labor or suffering,
they must maintain a constant battle
with self."—"The Acts of the Apostles,"
page 565.
"The directions laid down in the
Word of God leave no room for com-
promise with evil. The Son of God was
manifested that He might draw all men
unto Himself. He came not to lull the
world to sleep, but to point out the
narrow path in which all must travel
who reach at last the gates of the City
THE SECOND MILE: "Selected Messages," Bk. 1, pp. 89, 90.
95
The Christian and Divisive Issues
LESSON 12
❑
Tuesday
March 16
Part 3
AMBASSADORS
FOR CHRIST
2 Cor. 5:20
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though
God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead,
be ye reconciled to God."
An ambassador is sent to a foreign country. The people he
deals with are different from him. They have a different cul-
ture, different traditions, usually a different language and a
different way of life. The ambassador lives in this foreign
country and shares the life of the people there, but he is a
citizen of another country. So it is with the Christian. He lives
in the world, but he is not of the world; he is a citizen of
heaven. An ambassador speaks for his own country. People
listen to him to know what his country wants them to do.
The ambassador for Christ speaks for heaven. He wants to
have people think of Christ in the most favorable light. One
hasty action or impulsive word can spoil his representation of
his Saviour.
After depicting the love of worldlings for material
things, what is Paul's advice to the Christian? 1 Tim.
6:11, 12.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Christ calls upon the members of His church to cherish the
true, genuine hope of the gospel. He points them upward, dis-
tinctly assuring them that the riches that endure are above,
not below. Their hope is in heaven, not on the earth. 'Seek ye
first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,' He says;
`and all these things'—all that is essential for your good—
`shall be added unto you.'
"With many, the things of this world obscure the glorious
view of the eternal weight of glory that awaits the saints of
the Most
High."—Counsels on Stewardship,
page 218.
Why do the Scriptures teach us "to do justly, and to
love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God"? Micah
6:8.
"Worldly policy and the undeviating
night. And only those who live the life
principles of righteousness do not blend
of Christ are His co-workers. If one sin
into each other imperceptibly, like the
is cherished in the soul, or one wrong
colors of the rainbow. Between the two
practice retained in the life, the whole
a
broad, clear line is drawn by the being is contaminated. The man be-
eternal God. The likeness of Christ comes an instrument of unrighteous-
stands out as distinct from that of ness."—"The Desire of Ages," page 313.
Satan as midday in contrast with mid-
THE
SECOND MILE: "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 393-395.
96
The Christian and Divisive Issues
LESSON 12
El Wednesday
March 17
Part 4
"And they that shall be of thee shall build the old
ACTIVE REFORMERS waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many
generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the
Isa. 58:12
breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in."
"Reformers are not destroyers. They will never seek to ruin
those who do not harmonize with their plans and assimilate
to them. Reformers must advance, not retreat. They must be
decided, firm, resolute, unflinching; but firmness must not
degenerate into a domineering spirit. God desires to have all
who serve Him firm as a rock where principle is concerned,
but meek and lowly of heart, as was Christ. Then, abiding in
Christ, they can do the work He would do ikreTe
—
HeThith
-
elf
.
"
place. A rude, condemnatory spirit is not essential to heroism
in the reforms for this time. All selfish methods in the service
of God are an abomination in His
sight."—Testimonies,
Vol.
6, p. 151.
What characteristics will a true servant of God have'
2 Tim. 2:24.
The Christian will not be distracted into controversy that
will prevent him from doing his work as an ambassador of
Christ. He will be kind and gentle even when pointing out a
fault. He will be patient as was his Master; if he is cursed or
insulted, he will accept these as Christ did. "He must melt
the frigidity of opposition with the warmth of love."
What command does Paul give concerning being
linked with unbelievers? 2 Cor. 6:14-18.
THINK IT THROUGH
How should a Christian seek to remedy the injustices
prevalent in the world today?
"We should have a spirit of progress.
We must guard continually against be-
ing fixed in our views, feelings, and
actions. The work of God is onward.
Reforms must be carried on, and we
must take hold and help move on the
car of reform. Energy, tempered with
patience and ambition, and balanced
by wisdom, is now needed by every
Christian. The work of saving souls is
yet left to us, the disciples of Christ.
Not one of us is excused. Many have
THE SECOND MILE: "Testimonies," Vol.
become dwarfed . . because of inac-
tion."—"Testimonies/' Vol. 3, p. 540.
"We have a great work to carry for-
ward, and we must carry it in a sensi-
ble way. Let us never get excited or
allow evil feelings to arise. Christ did
not do this, and He is our example in
all things. For the work given us to do
we need much more of heavenly, sanc-
tified, humble wisdom, and much less
of self. We need to lay hold firmly on
divine power."—"Ibid.," Vol. 9, p. 148.
5, pp. 337-341.
97
The Christian and Divisive Issues
LESSON 12
❑
Thursday
March 18
Part 5
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but
CHRISTIAN mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds."
METHODS
OF REFORM
2 Cor. 10:4
"If anyone shall seek to draw the workers into debate or
controversy on political or other questions, take no heed to
either persuasion or challenge. Carry forward the work of God
firmly and strongly, but in the meekness of Christ and as
quietly as possible. Let no human boasting be heard. Let no
sign of self-sufficiency be made. Let it be seen that God has
called us to handle sacred trusts; preach the Word, be diligent,
earnest, and
fervent."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 122.
What are the weapons a Christian uses? Eph. 6:13-17;
2 Cor. 10:4, 5.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies
not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support
by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are
declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that
will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: 'I am cruci-
fied with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 510.
Why should a Christian refuse to be drawn into con-
troversial movements?
"Mild measures, soft answers, and pleasant words are much
better fitted to reform and save, than severity and harshness.
A little too much unkindness may place persons beyond your
reach, while a conciliatory spirit would be the means of bind-
ing them to you, and you might then establish them in the
right
way."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p. 65.
As Christ instructed the disciples in methods of work,
what figure did He use to illustrate wisdom and meek-
ness? Matt. 10:16, last part.
"The government under which Jesus
lived was corrupt and oppressive; on
every hand were crying abuses,—ex-
tortion, intolerance, and grinding cru-
elty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil
reforms. He attacked no national
abuses, nor condemned the national
enemies. He did not interfere with the
authority or administration of those in
THE SECOND MILE: "Selected Messages,'
power. He who was our example kept
aloof from earthly governments. Not
because He was indifferent to the woes
of men, but because the remedy did not
lie in merely human and external mea-
sures. To be efficient, the cure must
reach men individually, and must re-
_99=-ate the heart."—"The Desire of
Ages," page 509.
' Bk. 2, pp. 406-408.
98
The Christian and Divisive Issues
LESSON 12
❑
Friday
March 19
Part 6
"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly
THE BLESSED HOPE lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in
this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and
the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour
Titus 2:12, 13
Jesus Christ."
"As a people we are to prepare the way of the Lord. Every
iota of ability God has given us must be put to use in prepar-
ing the people after God's fashion, after His spiritual mold, to
stand in this great day of God's preparation."—Fundamentals
of Christian Education,
page 311.
What assurance does Christ give that injustice will be
avenged? Luke 18:7, 8.
THINK IT THROUGH
"A faithful record is kept of the words and deeds of the
children of men. Every act of cruelty or injustice toward God's
people, all they are caused to suffer through the power of evil
workers, is registered in
heaven."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 177.
What does James say should be our attitude as we
wait for the coming of the Lord? James 5:7, 8.
"The disciples of Christ are set as light bearers on the way
to heaven; through them the Father's mercy and goodness are
made manifest to a world enshrouded in the darkness of mis-
apprehension of God. By seeing their good works, others are
led to glorify the Father who is above; for it is made manifest
that there is a God on the throne of the universe whose char-
acter is worthy of praise and imitation."—Thoughts
From the
Mount of Blessing,
page 41.
In view of the nearness of our Lord's return, how in-
volved can a Christian become in divisive issues of a
political or social nature?
"There is a great work to be done,
"Christ is waiting with longing de-
and every effort possible must be made
sire for the manifestation of Himself in
to reveal Christ as the sin-pardoning
His church. When the character of Christ
Saviour, Christ as the Sin Bearer, Christ
shall be perfectly reproduced in His
as the bright and morning Star; and the
people, then He will come to claim
Lord will give us favor before the world
them as His own."—"Christ's Object Les-
until our work is done."—"Testimonies," sons," page 69.
Vol. 6, pp. 20, 21.
THE SECOND MILE: "Testimonies," Vol. 1, pp. 383, 386, 387.
99
The Christian and Divisive Issues
LESSON 12
March 20
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS
0
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
Complete: "For ye are
with a price: therefore
God
in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
2.
When Christ prayed that His disciples should not be taken out of the
world, what did He pray they should be kept from)
3.
What title does Paul give to Christians who represent Christ before the
world?
4.
Complete: "And they that shall be of thee shall
the old
waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and
thou shalt be called, The
of the breach, The
of
paths to dwell in."
5.
True or False : Paul advised the use of carnal weapons because of their
effectiveness in destroying worldly strongholds
6.
Which of the following reasons did Paul give to Titus for living righ-
teously in the present world?
(a)
Honesty is the best policy;
(b)
Jesus is re-
turning soon;
(c)
A righteous life will bring a man worldly prosperity
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100
LESSON 13
March 27
,===<
DOING GOOD TO ALL MEN
13
"That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, will-
ing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against
the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. 6:18, 19.
A true Christian will manifest brotherly
love and charity toward all mankind. His
love and respect for his fellowmen will be
shown in all his dealings with them. He
will so relate himself to his neighbors that
they will be attracted to the gospel he
professes to believe. One of the tests of
true Christianity is how the believer re-
lates himself to the needs of the world.
Obedience to correctdoctriiie will'iii-Zduce
friendly, loving, helpful people. The life
and work of the true Christian is but a re-
flection of Christ as He related Himself to
the needs of mankind.
Christ identified Himself with suffering
humanity. "It is impossible to grow up into
Christ our living head, unless we practice
the lesson He has given us of sympathy,
compassion, and love. It is impossible to
reflect the image of Christ unless this love,
which is of heavenly birth, is in the soul.
No one will pass the portals of the City of
God who does not reflect this attribute."
—Sons and Daughters of God,
page 148.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Source of Good Works
James 1:17
2.
A Good Heart Does Good Works
Luke 6:45
3.
Love and Mercy
Micah 6:8
4.
An Acceptable Service
Isa. 58:6, 7, 10
5.
The Essential Ingredient
Mark 10:21
6.
Rewards of Service
Matt. 25:34
101
Doing Good to All Men
LESSON 13
El
Tuesday
March 23
Part 3
LOVE AND MERCY
Micah 6:8
"He hath showed thee, 0 man, what is good; and what
doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love
mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
God has outlined His most essential requirements for a full
spiritual life. These attributes will also guarantee real happi-
ness. They are not material things nor are they outward observ-
ances or forms. These virtues dwell in the surrendered, obedient
heart. True piety covers the whole range of human duty—to
God and to man.
To love mercy means to have compassion, to show sym-
pathy. To love mercy brings us nearer to God.
What will cause the love of God to be perfected in the
heart? 1 John 4:12.
"The early Christian church was set on fire by Christ's
example. . . . In word and deed they showed that love was
their ruling principle. The heathen took notice, amazed at
Christian joy in doing for others. No pagan people had ever
produced a way of life equal to it. The Christian's love for
humanity was not only more voluminous but also more in-
tense. They seemed to forget themselves while helping their
fellowmen who needed them. Their love did not end with
solitary contemplation. It was a love of clothing the naked
and feeding the
hungry."—Dimensions in Salvation,
pages 279,
280.
How are we to love our neighbors? Gal. 5:14.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does the practice of justice and mercy develop a Chris-
tian life, or does the Christian life result in acts of jus-
tice and mercy?
"It should be written upon the con-
"Thoughtless Christians manifest by
science as with a pen of iron upon a their neglect of others that they are not
rock, that he who disregards mercy,
in union with Christ. It is impossible to
compassion, and righteousness, he who be in union with Christ and yet be un-
neglects the poor, who ignores the
kind to others and forgetful of their
needs of suffering humanity, who is
rights. . . . Our lives should be conse-
not kind and courteous, is so conduct-
crated to the good and happiness of
ing himself that God cannot cooperate others, as was our Saviour's."—"Ibid.,"
with him in the development of char- Vol. 3, p. 539.
acter."—"TeAmonies," Vol. 6, p. 262.
THE SECOND MILE: "Prophets and Kings," pages 326, 327.
104
Doing Good to All Men
LESSON 13
March 27
Part 7 G SUMMARY QUESTIONS G
A TEST OF YOUR STUDY POWER
1.
From whence did James say every good and perfect gift comes)
2.
Complete: "A good man out of the
treasure of his heart bringeth
forth that which is
3.
In judging a Christian, God considers most important:
(a)
The donations
he makes to the church;
(b)
The talents he has;
(c)
The love he has for God
and man
4.
Which Old Testament prophet defines the fast the Lord desired as giving
bread to the hungry)
5.
True or False: The "one thing" which the rich young ruler lacked was
secure investments in financial securities
6.
Is it wrong for a Christian to keep in mind the rewards offered for faithful
service)
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108
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
MARCH 27, 1971
• AUSTRALASIAN DIVISION
Much has been said about the world population explosion in
recent times. The mission fields of the South Pacific are under-
going a different kind of explosion. Our baptisms are growing in
frequency and numbers. For every soul won in Australia and New
Zealand during the past ten years, two have been won in the nearby
islands designated as Australasia's mission territory. In the great
island of New Guinea alone more than 2,000 were baptized last
year.
Our educational work is spiraling in the islands. Thousands of
young people, sensing as never before their need of education, are
pleading with our educators to admit them to our classrooms. Our
space is too small, and facilities too limited, to care for all who clamor
for a Christian education. In an endeavor to increase the effective-
ness of the mission program, the educational work must be given
greater emphasis, since it has been found that this program has
been responsible for the greater percentage of the baptisms over the
years.
The first quarter's Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow for
1971 is allocated to the Coral Sea Union for two special projects:
(1) rebuilding and relocating the Central School of the Central
Papuan Mission at Mount Diamond, a few miles from its present
location, and upgrading it to a high school, and (2) adding needed
facilities in the way of buildings and equipment at the Omaura
Bible Workers' School in the eastern highlands of New Guinea.
Lessons for the Second Quarter of 1971
Sabbath School members who have not received a senior
"Lesson Quarterly" for the second quarter of 1971 will be
helped by the following outline in studying for the first
lesson. The title of the series is "Studies in the Epistle to the
Ephesians." The title of the first lesson is "Challenging Truths
for All Times." The memory verse is Ephesians 1:7.
The outline is as follows: 1. Salutation of the Apostle
Paul. Eph. 1:1-3. 2. Chosen for Salvation by God. Eph. 1:4-6.
3. Redemption Through Christ's Blood. Eph. 1:7, 8. 4. Amaz-
ing Plan Made Known. Eph. 1:9, 10. 5. Believer's Inheritance
Secure. Eph. 1:11, 12. 6. Sealed With the Spirit of Promise.
Eph. 1:13, 14.
Litho in U.S.A.
NEW GUINEA
Unions
GILBERT AND ELLICE ISLANDS
\
\
BISMA
RCK
-SOLOMONS
,
Bismarck-Solomons U. M.
416,626
163
14,289
21,828
UNION MISSION \
Central Pacific U. M.
1,094,565
124
12,860
14,933
Coral Sea U. M.
2,013,398
186
23,874
40,601
RABAUL
Trans-Commonwealth U. C. 6,739,834
168
15,452
16,533
\
Trans-Tasman U. C.
8,928,080
216
24,245
24,852
Sabbath
Church
School
Population Churches
Members Members
SOLOMON ISLANDS
NEW HEBRIDES
Division Totals
19,192,503
857
90,720
118,747
-
-
r
CORAL SEA
UNION MISSION
VMOA
F
IJI
,
ISLANDS
o VA
CENTRAL PACIFIC
UNION MISSION
SOCIETY ISLANDS
OPEETE
TONGA
4
COOK ISLANDS
TOWNSVILLE
NEW CALEDONIA
-11
PITCAIRN
AUSTRALIA
EIRMBANE
uN
T
I
R
O
A
NN
C
S
O
-T
N
A
F
S
ER
M
E
A
N
N
CE
PERTH
NEWCASTLE
SYDNEY
r
-
AUCKLAND
ADDITIONS TO OMAURA BIBLE
WORKERS' TRAINING SCHOOL
ADELAIDE
CANBERRA
I
MELBOURNE
TRANS-COMMONWEALTH
UNION CONFERENCE
vfLONOTON
CHRISTCHURCH
NEW ZEALAND
HOBART
PORT
-U
MORESBY
AUSTRALASIAN DIVISION
.
43U1L
'
D A CENTRAL SCHOOL
'-CENTRAL PAPUA'
MISSION::